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--i^mW  TO  CULTIVy^TK^^ 

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PREMIUM  CROPS  AND  HOW  TO  GROW  THEM. 


ILLUSTRATIONS    OF    THE    LEADING    VARIETIES.     ^BEST    VARIETIES 

FOR  SEED. 

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SXOW-FLAKE.— Sliowing  habit  of  growth  in  the  hill. 

B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS, 
\d  and  %cfU%uHuval  '^ar^y>u§^, 

NO.  34  BARCLAY  STREET, 

BOX 5,7.2.  NE\A/    YORK. 


•^^SSS^S!^S;^S!SSSSSS^^^^SESESBS^^S^SS^S^^S^SSSSS3SSSSSSSSSS!lS3S!SS!^S. 


m«j'i<i«jj5^ 


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"2;jEutcred,  aceoidiiia  to  Act  of  Coti^rrss,  in  tlic  yeor  I.srs,  by  B.  K.  Bliss  *  Soss.ingt" 
the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Cougress  at  Wa«liington. 


iipi*: 


LIBRARY 


OF  THE 


MASSACHUSETTS 

AGRICULTURAL 

COLLEGE 


SB 
SO"      111 

PSP« 


•'(^   I  If  I 


This  book  may  be  kept  out 

TWO    WEEKS 

only,  and  is  subject  to  a  fine  of  TWO 
CENTS  a  day  thereafter.  It  will  be  due 
on  the  day  in4icated  below. 


^'■L 


ILLUSTRATED   AND   DESCRIPTITE 


OJ^Tj(LLOa-TJE 


FOK    SALE   BY 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SO]NS, 

At  thsir  Sesd  and  Horticultural  Warshouss^ 

No,    34   BAKCI-AY    STREET, 


THE  POTATO. 

This  valuable  and  well-known  esculent,  now  so  widely  cultivated,  is  a  native  of  the  moun- 
tainous parts  of  tropical  America,  and  was  taken  to  Sjjain  and  Italy  by  early  adventurers  in  the 
sixteenth  century,  for  we  read  of  its  cultivation  in  those  countries  in  the  year  1550.  The  usual 
size  of  the  potato  in  its  wild  state  is  rarely  more  than  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  the  flavor  very 
insipid  and  almost  unpalatable. 

When  first  introduced  into  Europe  it  created  great  excitement,  of  a  similar  nature  to  that 
caused  by  the  introduction  of  tobacco  and  coffee ;  for  many  years  it  was  only  to  be  found  on  the 
tables  of  the  opulent,  where  it  was  used  as  a  dessert  either  in  the  form  of  a  sweetmeat  or  as  a 
fruit.  The  first  varieties  grown  in  the  United  States  were  brought  from  Europe.  The 
quality  was  very  poor,  and  not  a  variety  then  in  use  would  at  the  present  time  be 
deemed  fit  for  the  table.  It  is  only  within  a  comparatively  recent  period  that  it  has  found  its  way 
into  both  continents  as  a  general  article  of  food  for  man  and  beast,  or  has  received  attention 
from  agriculturists.  Many  of  our  most  practical  and  foremost  gardeners  are  now  directing  their 
attention  and  energies  to  its  improvement  and  propagation. 

In  the  year  1S44,  the  disease  knovm  as  the  rot  appeared  and  nearly  destroyed  the  whole  crop. 
About  this  time  a  few  persons,  among  others  the  late  C.  E.  Goodrich,  of  Utica,  imported  a  lot  of 
the  wild  varieties  directly  from  South  America,  and  proceeded  to  raise  seedlings  by  crossing  with 
the  various  kinds  then  in  use.  Many  thousand  seedlings  were  then  produced,  but  few  of  them 
were  ever  brought  to  any  state  of  perfection. 

One  of  the  principal  sorts  saved  was  the  Garnet  Chili,  which  had  a  great  reputation,  and  is 
the  parent  of  many  of  our  new  sorts  which  are  now  attracting  so  much  attention.  Twenty-five 
years  ago,  a  farmer  who  raised  one  hundred  bushels  of  potatoes  was  looked  upon  as  having  an 
enormous  stock ;  while  to-day,  many  growers  in  the  vicinity  of  our  large  cities  raise  from  ten  to 
twenty  thousand  bushels,  without  exciting  any  unusuar  attention.  Within  this  period  nearly  all 
the  numerous  varieties  with  which  we  are  now  acquainted  have  been  brought  to  notice,  and 
every  year  adds  its  score  of  new  seedlings  to  the  already  overgrown  lists.  Hundreds  of  millions 
of  bushels  are  now  raised  annually  in  this  country,  and  the  demand  is  always  greater  than  the 
supply— the  crop  of  this  State  alone  being  twenty-five  million  bushels,  raised  on  a  little  over  two 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  acres  of  land. 

The  uses  of  this  tuber  are  numerous,  aside  from  their  principal  use  as  an  article  of  food. 
Thousands  of  bushels  are  annually  manufactured  into  starch,  and  alcohol  is  distilled  from  its 
juices.  Even  sugar  has  been  made ;  but  with  so  much  competition  in  this  Ihie,  it  has  never  proved 
a  great  success.  Too  much  cannot  be  said  in  favor  of  this  vakiable  staple,  and  we  shall  endeavor 
to  instruct  our  readers  in  these  few  pages  as  to  the  methods  used  to  increase  the  supply,  without 
increasing  the  expense  of  its  cultivation. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


CULTIVATION. 

The  soil  acknowledged  to  be  the  best  for  the  potato  is  a  rich  loam,  sandy,  and  neither  too  wet 
or  too  dry.  A  cool,  moist  soil  will  produce  larger  potatoes,  but  the  danger  of  too  much  wet  is  so 
great  that  a  warmer  soil  is  preferable  in  this  climate.  Early  potatoes  reach  their  maturity  sooner 
in  a  quick,  light  soil,  and  present  a  brighter  and  cleaner  appearance,  than  when  dug  from  that 
which  is  heavier.    A  calcareous  formation  generally  yields  a  sure  crop. 

Old  sod  land,  well  turned  under  in  the  fall,  and  lightly  plowed  and  harrowed  in  the  Spring,  will 
produce  a  sound  crop,  and  often  an  astonishingly  large  one.  Clover  sod  for  this  purpose  is  excel- 
lent, and  furnishes  a  large  amount  of  vegetable  substance  to  the  ground.  When  turned  under  in 
August  or  September  it  will  rot  by  the  following  Spring,  and  only  a  top-dressing  of  some  well-es- 
tablished fertilizer  will  be  required  to  carry  through  the  crop.  Wetland  produces  a  coarse,  unpal- 
atable article,  and  one  of  little  value  even  as  food  for  cattle.  Barnyard  manures  are  of  little  benefit 
to  such  land.  Lands  should  never  be  plowed  while  wet  and  heavy ;  it  injures  the  soil  and  does 
more  harm  than  the  manure  can  offset.  Prepare  the  ground  as  carefully  and  thoroughly  for  po- 
tatoes as  for  any  other  crop.    Attention  in  this  particular  well  repays  the  farmer. 

Land  intended  for  potatoes  requires  but  little  manure,  and  that  should  be  old  and  well  rotted. 
By  many,  spreading  the  manure  before  plowing  in  the  Spring  is  thought  to  be  the  best  mode.  At 
the  time  of  planting,  bone-dust,  ashes,  plaster,  nlarl  and  like  fertilizers  can  be  used  to  great  ad- 
vantage with  this  crop,  as  they  are  of  a  dry  or  absorbent  nature.  On  wet  soils  they  are  very  bene- 
ficial, as  they  prevent  disease  as  well  as  promote  the  growth  of  the  tubers.  On  warm,  dry,  light 
land,  muck  compost  may  advantageously  be  used;  decayed  leaves  are  excellent.  In  seasons 
of  disease  among  potatoes,  fields  where  ashes  have  been  used  have  suffered  but  little  from  the 
rot. 

Potatoes  are  usually  planted  in  drills  or  hills,  the  latter  being  the  more  common  method  in 
this  country.  Some  varieties  require  more  space  than  others.  For  drills,  two  and  a  half  feet  by 
three  is  ample;  while,  when  planted  in  hills,  three  to  three  and  a  half  feet  is  the  usual  distance. 
The  latter  method  has  some  advantages,  as  the  cultivator  or  horse-hoe  can  be  used  both  ways  of 
the  field.  Some  of  the  earlier  varieties  may  be  planted  closer  without  loss  to  the  crop.  Cover 
about  four  inches  in  light  soil,  and  not  so  deep  in  the  heavier.  Cultivation  should  be  commenced 
soon  after  the  shoots  appear  above  the  ground,  and  weeds  should  be  kept  down  with  as  much 
care  as  in  a  carrot-bed.  The  earth  should  be  drawn  a  little  towards  the  hill  at  each  hoeing,  that 
the  rootlets  may  gain  strength  and  nutriment  from  the  surrounding  earth.  When  the  blossoms  ap- 
pear, hoeing  should  be  discontinued,  and  in  fact  is  rarely  necessary,  as  the  vines  then  cover  the 
ground  and  discourage  the  growth  of  weeds.  An  excellent  plan  is  to  go  over  the  field  occasionally 
and  remove  carefully  any  weeds  that  appear  in  the  hill,  for  they  draw  largely  from  the  sustenance 
required  for  the  developing  tubers. 

Many  farmers  still  continue  to  plant  three  to  five  eyes  to  the  hill.  In  our  opinion  this  is  amis- 
take,  and  the  last  few  years'  experience  confirms  our  views.  Potatoes  cut  carefully  to  a  single 
eye,  the  hills,  perhaps,  a  trifle  closer,  will  yield  a  larger  crop  than  the  careless  way  of  throwing  in 
seed  by  wholesale.  We  all  know  the  effects  of  too  close  a  growth  of  carrots,  turnips  and  such 
roots  on  the  crop,  and  we  think  the  same  rule  applies  equally  to  potatoes.  Two  good  eyes  to  the 
hill,  with  a  proper  proportion  of  the  flesh  to  each  eye,  will  produce  a  far  larger  crop  of  merchant- 
able tubers  than  two  whole  ones;  will. yield  from  one-third  to  one-half  more  in  weight — an  item 
of  no  small  consequence — to  say  nothing  of  the  saving  of  nearly  one-half  the  seed.  Any  intelli- 
gent farmer  who  is  up  with  the  times  and  reads  the  leading  agricultural  papers  will  corroborate 
this  statement. 

In  order  to  secure  an  early  crop,  the  seed  must  be  planted  as  soon  as  the  ground  is  in  proper 
working  order.  This  time  differs  in  the  various  parts  of  our  extended  country,  so  that  no  set  time 
can  well  be  given.  The  earliest  varieties  can  be  marketed  in  sixty-five  to  seventy  days  from 
planting,  thus  competing  successfully  with  Southern  crops  of  the  more  common  kinds.  A  second 
crop  can  thus  be  planted,  as  described  elsewhere,  allowed  to  thoroughly  mature,  and  thus  have 
good  seed  tor  another  year  and  a  sound  article  of  food  for  Winter  use.  The  yield  of  the  first 
planting  will  give  a  handsome  profit,  for  earbj  potatoes  always  command  a  high  price  when  near 
a  city  or  town.  The  later  varieties  do  better  when  planted  some  weeks  after  the  early  kinds ;  and 
the  farmer  lias  this  advantage,  he  can  get  the  former  well  started  and  cultivated  before  he  turns 
his  labor  and  attention  to  the  latter. 

A  common  method  of  forcing  jiotatoes  is  to  select  whole,  sound  tubers  of  some  early  variety  of 
medium  size,  placing  them  close  together  in  a  moderately  heated  bed,  composed  of  either  light 
loam  or  partially  decayed  leaves.  This  should  be  done  several  weeks — say  three  or  four — before 
the  time  of  planting.  By  that  time  the  tubers  will  have  started  sufiiciently  to  be  set  out.  Cut  the 
potatoes  into  pieces  as  has  been  directed,  and  use  care  not  to  injure  the  young  shoots.  Plant  three 
inches  deep,  apply  a  little  horse  manure  to  the  bottom  of  each  hill,  to  afford  warmth  and  to  urge 
forward  and  nourish  the  young  starting  tubers. 

The  decay  of  the  tops  indicate  the  maturity  of  the  roots.  The  later  kinds  often  continue  to 
grow  till  checked  by  autumu  frosta.  They  should,  however,  be  dug  before  the  ground  is  touched 
by  frost  at  night. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


HOW  TO  CUT  TO  A  SINGLE  EYE. 

Take  any  potato  and  hold  before  you,  with  the  stem  end  (the  place  where  it  was  joined  to  the 
vine)  down.  It  will  then  be  noticed  that  the  eyes  are  arranged  around  the  tuber  in  regular  ascending 
rotation  from  the  bottom  to  the  top,  similar  to  the  thread  of  a  corkscrew,  each  eye  being  a  little 
above  and  further  around  the  side  than  the  one  next  below  it.  Now  take  the  potato  in  the  left 
hand,  with  the  stem  end  down,  keeping  it  in  a  perpendicular  position  throughout  the  entire  cut- 
ting.   Take  a  sharp,  thin-bladed  knife  and  remove  the  first  eye,  by  placing  the  knife  about  equally 

~  distant  between  it  and  the 

eye  next  in  rotation  above 
it,  sloping  it  to  the  in- 
denture left  by  the  stem 
(see  dotted  lines  in  center 
cut),  removing  the  flesh 
with  it.  When  the  first  eye 
is  removed,  turn  the  potato 
around  in  the  hand  until 
the  next  eye  above  appears. 
Remove  this  one  in  the 
same  manner,  and  keep  on 
turning  the  potato,  remov- 
ing each  eye  as  it  appears 
in  exact  rotation,  always 
sloping  the  knife  to  the 
stem.  After  three  or  four 
eyes  are  thus  removed,  the 
bottom  part  of  the  tuber 
will  have  a  somewhat  pyr- 
amidal form  (see  center 
cut).  It  will  be  noticed 
that  each  eye  removed  has 
a  similar  form  to  that  repre- 
sented by  the  cut  on  the  left, 
and  has  its  proportionate 
share  of  the  flesh  attached. 

After  the  first  two  eyes 
are  removed  no  further 
trouble  will  be  found  until 
the  seed  end  is  reached, 
and  only  a  little  extra  care 
will  be  required  to  remove 
these  closely  clustered  eyes. 
The  cut  on  the  right  repre- 
sents what  remains  of  the 
potato  after  all  but  the 
small  eyes  are  removed, 
■while  the  dotted  lines  show 
how  to  separate  each  of 
these.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  base  retains  the 
same  form  throughout,  and 
by  sloping  the  knife  each 
time,  and  cutting  down  to 
the  apex  of  this  inverted 
pyramid  (which  is  the  cen- 
ter of  the  tuber),  each  eye  will'be  supported  by  an  equal  amount  of  the  flesh  which  is  to  start 
it  into  a  strong,  healthy  growth.  "With  common  varieties,  where  seed  is  cheap,  many  will  think 
this  manner  of  cutting  too  troublesome.  But  if  every  farmer  should  save  otie-half  his  seed,  as  he 
easily  could  do  (for  it  will  only  require  two  barrels  of  sets  for  an  acre,  instead  of  four,  as  is  usually 
planted,  the  increase  being  equal),  thousands  of  bushels  would  annually  be  saved,  worth  many 
thousands  of  dollars.  But  to  those  who  wish  to  obtain  a  large  increase  from  a  small  quantity  of 
seed,  as  is  necessary  to  those  who  buy  the  new  and  valuable  varieties,  this  manner  of  cutting  so 
that  every  eye  is  saved  will  prove  invaluable. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SO^'S'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


CUTTING. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  important  subjects  to  be  considered  in  the  propagation  of  potatoes, 
and  there  is  such  a  diversity  of  opinion  regarding  the  manner  and  method  of  cutting,  that  many 
pages  could  be  filled  in  giving  the  different  experiences  of  the  professors  in  this  art.  While  we 
do  not  attempt  to  decide  tliis  question  to  the  satisfaction  of  everyone,  we  shall  give  our  own  views, 
and  claim  that  in  our  method  an  enormous  quantity  of  the  tubers  now  annually  planted  may  he 
thrown  into  the  market,  causing  a  reduction  in  the  prices  charged  for  this  common  and  necessary 
crop.  Without  discussing  the  respective  merits  of  planting  whole  potatoes,  or  half  a  dozen  pieces, 
each  piece  containing  three  and  four  eyes,  in  a  hill,  we  shall  state,  what  has  been  proven  by  so 
many  cultivators,  that  two  good  eyes  are  ample  for  one  hill,  and  the  yield  of  large,  marketable 
potatoes  is  larger  than  when  more  are  planted.  With  the  aid  of  the  cut  and  remarks  on  page  3, 
we  trust  our  readers  may  be  enabled  to  understand  our  method. 


HOW  TO  RAISE  FROM  CUTTING-S. 

For  this  purpose  any  ordinary  hot-bed  may  be  used.  About  the  1st  of  March  take  the  potatoes 
to  be  propagated,  dividing  them  lengthwise,  and  laying  these  pieces  with  the  cut  side  down  upon 
the  soil  of  the  hot-bed.  Keep  them  perfectly  dry  until  the  cut  part  has  healed  over  and  the 
sprouts  have  commenced  to  start.  When  the  sprouts  reach  the  height  of  three  or  four  inches, 
cut  them  off  about  half  an  inch  above  the  eye,  and  insert  the  end  of  the  cuttings  thus  obtained 
into  the  soil  of  the  hot-bed.  Shade  them  from  the  sun,  and  water  carefully  until  they  are  well 
rooted  and  the  leaves  begin  to  develop.  The  old  pieces  of  the  potato  will  continue  to  throw  up 
shoots  to  an  almost  incredible  number,  and  these  are  all  to  be  removed  as  soon  as  strong  enough 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  first  ones.  In  order  to  increase  the  crop  still  more,  as  soon  as  these 
cuttings  have  reached  the  height  of  eight  inches,  their  tops  may  also  be  removed  and  planted  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  slips  from  the  potato.  As  soon  as  the  ground  becomes  warm  and  can  be 
worked,  prepare  it  as  is  usual  in  planting  the  tubers,  and  set  out  these  young  plants.  It  is  best  to 
transplant  them  on  some  cloudy  day  or  towards  evening,  as  the  hot  sun  withers  them  and  destroys 
many  if  planted  in  the  hot  part  of  the  day.  These  plants  will  be  found  to  grow  very  rapidly,  and 
can  be  propagated  indefinitely  from  cuttings  of  the  older  plants.  No  cuttings  should  be  taken 
after  the  1st  of  August,  as  they  will  likely  be  destroyed  by  the  cold  weather  before  the  crop  is 
matured.  The  immense  increase  of  stock  by  the  use  of  this  method  may  be  illustrated  as  follows : 
A  pound  usually  contains  four  medium-sized  potatoes,  and  there  are  from  twelve  to  twenty  eyes 
on  each  tuber.  When  cut  and  sprouted  they  will  give,  at  least,  five  hundred  plants.  From  each 
of  these  plants  three  cuttings  may  be  taken,  which  gives  a  total  of  two  thousand  plants  to  be  set 
in  the  ground.  With  the  ordinary  yield,  each  hill,  at  the  lowest  estimate,  would  give  one  and 
one-half  pounds,  or  three  thousand  pounds;  in  all  making  about  eighteen  barrels  of  good,  sound 
potatoes,  or  a  year's  supply  for  a  large  family.  We  do  not  claim  that  this  is  either  profitable  or 
advisable  with  the  common  sorts  of  potatoes ;  but  with  the  many  new  and  high-priced  varieties 
which  are  now  being  disseminated  at  the  prices  of  one,  two,  or  three  dollars  a  pound,  it  is 
almost  invaluable,  as  for  a  slight  expenditure  a  large  stock  may  be  obtained,  paying  to  the 
propagator  a  thousand-fold.  This  is  no  new  experiment,  but  has  been  practiced  by  the  initiated 
for  the  last  few  years,  and  has  ever  proved  a  success.  It  is  not  confined  to  hot-beds,  but  many  of 
our  most  prominent  nurserymen  have  devoted  whole  greenhouses  to  this  use,  and  we  would  con- 
fidently recommend  it  to  our  readers. 


TWO  CROPS  A  YEAR. 

Take  good,  sound,  early  potatoes,  and  cut  them  into  single  eyes,  as  is  shown  in  the  article  on 
cutting.  Allow  these  pieces  to  dry  for  a  day  or  two,  and  then  plant  as  early  as  the  ground  can  be 
worked  (a  slight  frost  will  not  injure  the  potato  after  being  well  planted).  With  ordinarily  favor- 
able weather  the  new  crop  of  tubers  will  mature  in  from  eight  to  ten  weeks.  As  soon  as  they  are 
ripe,  dig  them,  and  after  remaining  a  day  or  two  in  some  dry  and  warm  place,  proceed  to  cut  them 
into  single  eyes  as  before.  Place  the  pieces  thus  obtained  into  pans  or  boxes  containing  dry  plas- 
ter or  gypsum.  This  absorbs  the  abundant  moisture,  which  would  otherwise  greatly  check  the 
growth  if  it  did  not  destroy  the  sets  entirely.  Allow  them  to  remain  in  the  plaster  for  ten  or 
twelve  days,  or  until  the  eyes  commence  to  start,  when  they  are  to  be  taken  out  and  planted  as 
before.  In  the  latitude  of  New  York  this  is  only  applicable  to  early  varieties,  like  the  famous 
Early  Rose,  or  Extra  Early  Vermont,  which  are  of  quick  growth,  and  early  maturity;  but  in  many 
parts  of  the  South,  where  the  growing  season  is  long,  it  may  be  practiced  indiscriminately  upon 
all  varieties.    A  gentleman  has  raised  two  crops  of  Early  Rose,  a  short  time  since,  in  this  vicinity, 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


the  two  crops  yielding  an  aggregate  weight  of  twenty-five  hundred  pounds.  He  planted  his 
pound,  cut  into  single  eyes,  early  in  March,  and  dug  his  first  crop  about  the  middle  of  May. 
These  were  then  treated  as  above  described  and  planted  the  10th  of  June,  and  the  second  crop 
dug  the  1st  of  September.  The  yield  from  the  one  pound  at  the  first  digging  was  fifty  pounds. 
and  the  second  crop  of  this  increase  was  twenty-five  hundred  pounds,  or  over  forty  bushels.  This 
method  is  witliin  the  reach  of  all,  and  there  is  no  extra  expense  incurred  for  hot-bed  sashes  or 
any  other  forcing  requisites. 

HOW  TO  RAISE  SEEDLINGS. 

Save  any  well-ripeued  seed-balls  from  a  good  variety,  and  plant  in  early  Spring,  in  well- 
drained  boxes  of  sandy  loam.  Sow  the  seed  on  the  surface,  and  sift  fine  soil  over  them  to  the 
depth  of  one-quaiter  to  one-half  an  inch;  water  sparingly,  and  when  the  seedlings  are  three 
inches  high,  remove  them  from  the  seed  box  without  disturbing  the  earth  around  them  more  than 
is  necessary,  and  plant  in  more  roomy  quarters.  Many  successful  growers,  however,  prefer  sow- 
ing the  seed  in  oper-  ground,  when  a  partially  shaded  spot  may  be  selected,  and  the  seeds  may  be 
sown  in  drills  about  ten  inches  apart;  cover  with  half  an  inch  of  soil.  When  the  plants  are 
strong  enough,  transplant  in  rows  three  feet  apart,  two  feet  in  the  rows,  and  keep  down  the  weeds 
until  the  tubers  ripen.  Some  few  strong  growing  varieties,  will  form  tubers  weighing  from  six  to 
eight  ounces  the  first  year.  As  a  general  rule  they  will  be  about  the  size  of  a  walnut.  The  seed  we 
offer  this  season,  "Pi-ingle's  hybrid,"  is  far  in  advance  of  any  hitherto  offered,  as  will  be  seen 
by  referring  to  the  description  on  page  21.  Store  the  tubers  carefully  until  the  next  season,  keep- 
ing them  as  cool  as  may  be  without  freezing,  when  they  may  be  planted  in  the  same  manner  as 
any  mature  potato. 

It  usually  takes  three  years  to  ascertain  the  true  value  of  a  seedling,  and  if  a  person  is  favored 
by  finding  one  really  good  variety  among  the  many  seedlings,  he  may  feel  well  repaid  for  his  time 
and  trouble.  Many  new  varieties  are  raised  by  hybridization,  which  is  a  more  difiicult  method, 
although  it  generally  secures  a  greater  number  of  good  varieties.  The  manner  of  procedure  is  as 
follows:  Kemove  all  flov^^ers  excepting  those  you  wish  to  hybridize,  then  with  a  pair  of  sharp 
scissors  remove  all  the  anthers  from  the  stamens  in  the  flowers  to  be  impregnated,  just  before  they 
commence  to  discharge  their  pollen.  When  the  flowers  are  dry,  shake  the  flower  containing  the 
stamens  of  the  variety  whicli  you  wish  to  cross  with  it,  being  careful  to  do  it  when  they  are  ready 
to  discharge  their  pollen.  Fit  a  piece  of  fine  netting  over  the  impregnated  flower,  to  prevent 
the  bee  and  other  insects  from  leaving  the  pollen  of  other  varieties  upon  the  exposed  pistil. 
The  covering  may  be  removed  after  two  or  three  days.  Do  not  disturb  them  again  until  the 
seed-ball  has  ripened,  when  the  treatment  as  given  in  the  first  part  of  this  article  may  be  applied. 

Instances  have  been  known,  though  rare,  where  one  potato  would  produce  two  distinct  sorts 
from  its  different  buds  or  eyes.  The  White  Peachblow,  for  example,  has  been  found  growing  on 
the  same  stalk  with  the  Jersey  Peachblow.    As  so  much  interest  is  now  excited  in  the  growth 

and  propagation  of  new  seedlings,  and  many  of  the  new  varieties  command  such  high  prices 

it  behooves  our  farmers  and  amateur  gardeners  to  avail  themselves  of  the  latest  and,  by  actual 
tests,  the  best  method  of  producing  new  varieties. 


HOW   TO   STORE   AND   KEEP. 

It  is  a  matter  of  no  small  importance  to  the  farmer  to  be  able  to  keep  his  crop  of  potatoes  in 
good  condition  through  our  long  Winters,  and  to  present  them  for  sale,  free  from  blemisli  or 
mildew,  in  the  Spring.  A  well-kept  potato  brings  three  or  four  times  its  value  in  market  in 
early  Spring  than  the  same  stock  will  if  sold  in  the  Fall,  paying  an  extra  profit  over  and  above 
the  cost  of  storing,  handling  and  care  required. 

Of  the  three  methods  of  storing  in  general  use,  each  has  its  champions.  They  are :  storin<' 
in  barrels,  bins,  or  heaps  or  pits.  The  advantage  of  placing  in  barrels  is,  they  can  be  easily 
handled,  do  not  suffer  from  abrasion,  can  be  readily  looked  over,  and  if  disease  ^yreseiits  itself 
it  can  be  checlced  or  removed. 

When  tliousands  of  bushels  are  raised  on  one  farm,  this  method  cannot  be  followed  on  ac- 
count of  the  time  and  expense  involved.  Bins  are  largely  used  by  our  fore-handed  farmers, 
especially  those  near  large  cities,  as  the  roots  can  at  any  time  be  reached  and  got  ready  for  mar- 
ket. A  dry,  cool,  well-ventilated  cellar,  with  the  light  excluded,  is  the  best  place  to  store 
potatoes.  It  has  been  found  very  advantageous  in  preventing  decay  to  sprinkle  lime  in  the  bar- 
rels or  bin  at  the  rate,  say,  of  one  pound  to  each  barrel.  It  acts  as  an  absorbent  and  neutralizes 
the  earthy  odors,  thus  directly  acting  as  a  preventive  of  decay  to  the  roots. 

The  importance  of  excluding  light  from  potatoes  and  keeping  them  as  cool  as  possible, 
cannot  be  over-estimated  as  means  of  preserving  the  crop. 


BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Chemistry  of  the  Potato. 


'  ariations  in  its  Composition,  Average  Analyses  according-  to  standard 
uithorities. 

Voelcker,  on  Differences  of  Composition,  especially  in   proportion  of 
Starch, 
[annrial   requirements :  Action  of  Potasli  in  Potato  Culture.     Quantity 
of  Nitrog-en,  Phosphoric  Acid  and  Potash  required  to  produce    100 
bushels ;  also  one  bushel  of  Potatoes. 
Commercial  Sources  of  Fertilizing  Materials  required,  etc.,  etc. 


The  importance  of  tlie  Potato  [solarium  tuberosum)  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  and  profitable 
of  the  staple  food-crops,  entitle  it  to  much  more  attention  than  it  has  heretofore  received  at  the 
hands  of  agricultural  chemists.  In  England  and  Germany,  where  the  potato  has  been  made  the 
subject  of  considerable  study  and  of  numerous  analyses,  it  has  by  no  means  had  the  benefit  of  the 
exhaustive  investigations  accorded  to  the  grain  and  root  crops.  While  much  valuable  informa- 
tion has  been  gained,  as  will  be  hereafter  seen,  as  the  result  of  these  researches,  yet  there  is  much 
to  be  learned,  especially  among  oirr  own  farmers,  of  the  relative  values  of  the  new  varieties,  so  popu- 
lar among  us,  their  capacity  for  improvement  in  quality  for  food,  more  economical  culture,  etc. 
It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  system  of  experiments  so  successfully  started  last  season  by  Professor 
W.  O.  Atwater,  among  farmers,  will  include  trials  on  the  different  varieties  of  potatoes. 

The  variations  in  the  composition  of  the  potato,  as  sliown  by  hundreds  of  analyses  made  or 
endorsed  by  such  standard  authorities  as  Voelcker,  Johnston,  Fresenius,  Payen,  Wolff,  Knobbe 
and  S.  W.  Johnson,  are  sufficiently  great  to  even  lead  tliese  cliemists  to  differ  somewhat  as  to 
what  fairly  represents  an  average  composition  of  this  important  vegetable.  As  will  be  seen 
by  examining  the  data  hereafter  given,  there  are  large  differences  in  the  percentage  of  the  most 
important  ingredient  contained  in  the  tuber,  namely,  the  starch,  and  this  difference  will  be  found 
in  the  same  variety  of  potatoes  grown  upon  different  soils,  as  -well  as  in  different  varieties 
grown  upon  the  same  soil. 

The  feeding  v.'ilue  of  the  potato,  to  the  extent  of  producing  the  animal  heat  of  the  body  and 
of  the  formation  of  fat,  is  almost  entirely  due  to  the  amount  of  starcli  it  contains— and  it  is 
equally  well  known  that  it  is  owing  to  the  presence  of  starch  in  greater  or  lesser  quantity  that 
some  potatoes  are,  when  cooked,  white,  mealy  and  fine  flavored,  and  others,  deficient  in  starch, 
are  unattractive,  waxy  and  soggy. 

When  the  conditions  of  growth  are  favorable  and  the  variety  a  good  one,  the  percentage  of 
.starch  in  the  potato  tuber  is  twenty  per  cent,  and  upwards,  while  inferior  specimens  are  found 
to  yield  less  than  eleven  per  cent.  One  hundred  pouuds  of  the  former,  when  thoroughly  dried, 
would  contain  over  eighty  pounds  of  starch,  and  the  latter  some  forty-four  pounds.  In  other 
words,  the  good  potatoes  quoted  are  nearly  or  quite  twice  as  valuable  as  food  for  man  or  stock  as 
the  poor  variety. 

The  variations  in  the  albumen,  casein  and  fibrin  are  by  no  means  so  great  as  with  the  starch. 
The  total  quantity  of  these  ingredients  (called  the  albuminoids)  found  in  an  average  healthy 
potato,  is  only  some  two  pounds  in  every  one  hundred  pounds  of  tubers,  in  the  air-dry  or  natural 
state;  and  it  is  due  to  this  fact  that  potatoes,  while  they  have  but  few  superiors  in  power  to  main- 
tain life  in  man  or  beast,  possess  so  little  power  in  building  up  the  solid  tissues  of  the  body,  mus- 
cle, flesh,  etc. 

The  ability  of  the  farmer  to  increase  the  feeding  value  of  the  potato,  in  this  direction,  by  any 
process  of  manuring  is  probably  very  limited,  as  the  formation  of  the  albuminoids  (albumen, 
casein  and  fibrin)  is  due  to  the  presence  of  nitrogen  in  the  plant,  and  as  the  potato  seems  to 
have  the  power  of  deriving,  under  ordinary  circumstances,  through  its  full  leaf  and  vine  develop- 
ment, much  of  the  entire  supply  of  nitrogen  it  requires  or  can  use  advantageously,  any  addi- 
tion of  this  ingredient  in  considerable  quantity,  as  in  the  form  of  nitrogenous  or  putrescent 
manures,  invariably  results  in  developing  an  undue  growth  of  vines  at  the  expense  of  both 
the  quality  and  quantity  of  the  tuhers.    In  any  but  a  dry  season  the  entire  plant  is  almost  sure  to 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


become  in  an  abnormal  condition,  and  prove  a  prey  to  attacks  of  fungus,  resulting  in  disease  or 
"  rot."  The  attempt,  on  the  other  hand,  to  improve  the  quality  of  the  potato  as  food,  so  far  as 
depends  upon  the  presence  of  starch  in  the  tuber,  will  be  found  to  be  more  encouraging  when 
the  action  of  potash  in  potato  manure  is  considered.  As  will  be  seen  further  on,  potash  invari- 
ably increases  the  starch,  formation,  and  without  its  presence  no  starch  can  be  found. 
When  grown  upon  newly  recovered  forest  land,  or  upon  any  land  of  suitable  mechanical  texture, 
containing  available  potash,  or  supplied  with  the  same  in  the  form  of  unleached  wood  ashes  or 
potash  salts  (of  proper  kinds)  potatoes  are  invariably  of  superior  quality. 

The  variatiouo  in  the  ash  or  mineral  constituents  of  the  potato  are  remarkable,  and  probably 
exceed  those  of  any  other  crop.  With  the  exception  of  phosphoric  acid  and  potash  in  the  tubers, 
and  lime,  magnesia  and  sulphuric  acid  in  the  vines,  the  mineral  ingredients,  soda,  iron,  pure  silica, 
chlorine,  etc.,  vary  to  such  an  extent  that  they  almost  seem  to  be  taken  up  by  the  roots  for  con- 
venience rather  than  for  any  actual  needs  of  the  plants.  Soda  is  found  to  exist  in  the  ash  of  the 
tubers  in  quantity  quite  or  next  to  nothing,  up  to  twelve  per  cent.  Oxide  of  iron  from  nothing 
to  six  per  cent.  Silica  from  nothing  to  over  six  per  cent.  Chlorine  from  nothing  to  nearly  nine 
per  cent. 

In  all  these  ash  analyses,  however,  the  proportions  of  potash  and  phosphoric  acid  are  uniformly 
large ;  in  the  case  of  potash,  from  forty-two  to  seventy-three  per  cent. ,  while  the  phosphoric  acid  is 
found  to  rarely  fall  below  twelve  per  cent.,  and  often  rises  to  over  twenty-seven  per  cent,  (aver- 
age say  twenty  per  cent). 

We  are  thus  enabled  to  see,  so  far  as  1  lie  development  of  the  tuber  of  the  potato  is  concerned, 
that  notwithstanding  tho  large  variations  in  the  proportions  of  its  ash  constituents,  the  presence 
of  potash  and  phosphoric  acid,  but  particularly  the  former  is  essential.  Practice  fully  corrobo- 
rates this  view,  for  the  good  effects  resulting  from  the  use  of  wood  ashes  and  bone,  (well  known 
sources  for  these  ingredients,)  have  caused  their  almost  universal  adoption  as  special  manures  for 
potato  culture. 

The  increased  yield  per  acre  from  the  addition  of  potash  alone  has  been,  in  several  cases, 
from  150  to  200  bushels  in  excess  of  the  quantity  produced  on  another  portion  of  the  same  land 
to  which  the  potash  was  not  supplied,  but  otherwise  well  manured. 

The  potato  vines,  as  indicated  by  their  analyses,  seem  to  require  full  supplies  of  lime  and 
magnesia  as  well  as  of  sulphuric  acid,  and  as  these  ingredients  are  generally  found  to  exist  in  the 
vines  in  increased  proportion  as  the  season  advances  towards  October,  it  would  indicate  that 
they  are  required  more  particularly  for  use  by  tne  vines  themselves.  The  remaining  ingredients 
found  in  the  vines  at  the  end  of  their  growing  season,  show,  on  the  contrary,  a  decreased  per- 
centage. This  is  particularly  the  case  with  the  potash  and  phosphoric  acid,  showing  that  these 
ingredients,  so  important  in  the  growth  of  the  potato,  have  been  transmitted  from  the  vines  for 
use  by  the  tubers. 

ANilJiYSIS   OF   POTATO  VINES    (WOLFF). 

August.  Ootobek. 

,  Per  100  lbs.  of  ash. 

Potash,-        ---- 14.50  6.30 

Soda,     --- - 2.70  0.80 

Magnesia,      _-.---.-. 16.80  22.60 

Lime,     ----- 39.00  46.20 

Phosphoric  acid,  ---..---.----       6.10  5.50 

Sulphuric  acid,     - ...._.-       5.6O  5.50 

Silica, - 8.10  4.20 

Chlorine, -        4.60  3.00 

Percentage  of  ash,       ..- -        8.90  5.12 

The  benefit  arising  from  the  use  of  plaster  (sulphuric  acid  and  lime)  so  successfully  practiced 
by  potato  growers,  as  well  as  from  magnesia  salts,  is  probably  due  to  their  effects  upon  the  vines, 
in  increasing  their  power  to  sustain  the  entire  plant  in  sufficient  strength  and  vigor  to  enable  it 
to  withstand,  especially  during  seasons  of  sudden  and  extreme  changes  of  temperature  and 
moisture,  all  parasitical  attacks  or  fungus  growth.  It  has  been  stated  that  a  strong  healthy  vine 
is  not  liable  to  become  affected  even  when  brought  into  actual  contact  or  rubbed  with  a  diseased 
plant.  The  predisposition  towards  disease,  through  impaired  vitality,  must  exist  before  there  is 
danger  of  "  rot." 

The  success  claimed  for  the  good  action  of  common  salt  (chlorine  and  soda)  on  potatoes  can 
hardly  be  due  to  any  direct  manuiial  action  on  the  plant,  but  rather  to  its  indirect  action  in 
aiding  in  rendering  soluble  and  available  the  other  ingredients  on  the  soil.  As  Professor  S.  W. 
Johnson  states:  "  Soda  is  an  extremely  variable  ingredient  of  the  ash  of  plants,  and  though  gen- 


8  B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 

erally  present  in  some  proportion,  has  been  observed  to  be  absent  in  weighable  quantities  in  the 
seeds  of  grain  and  in  the  tubers  of  potatoes." 

The  evidence  of  the  importance  of  the  presence  of  potash  in  the  soil  for  potato  culture,  as 
given  by  the  fact  of  its  uniform  presence  in  large  quantities  in  the  tubers,  as  vi^ell  as  by  the  good 
effects  that  always  attend  its  use  in  a  fertilizer  for  potatoes,  is  made  even  much  stronger  when  it 
is  remembered  that  without  the  presence  of  potash  in  the  Leaves  of  a  plant  no  starch  can  be 
formed.  Starch,  as  we  have  stated,  forms  from  nearly  one-half  to  over  two-thirds  the  entire 
weight  of  air-dry  tubers. 

The  following  interesting  summary  of  the  experiments,  made  by  Dr.  Nobbe  and  others  in 
Germany,  is  taken  from  a  lecture  recently  delivered  by  Professor  W.  O.  Atwater,  before  the  Con- 
necticut State  Agricultural  Society,  and  will  be  found  to  fully  cover  the  importance  of  the  presence 
of  potash  for  starch  formation. 

"  If  we  examine  a  green  leaf  with  a  microscope,  we  may  find  in  it  thousands  of  minute  sacs  or 
cells  as  they  are  called.  Some  of  these  contain  the  green  substance  called  chlorophyll.  Inside 
these  grains  of  chlorophyll  appear  still  smaller  grains  of  starch.  Starch  is  composed  of  the  ele- 
ments carbon,  oxygen,  and  hydrogen.  It  is  produced  inside  the  leaves.  The  carbon  is  taken  from 
the  carbonic  acid  of  the  air  by  the  agency  of  the  chlorophyll,  is  united  with  hydrogen  and  oxygen, 
the  elements  of  water,  and  thus  starch  is  produced.  After  the  starch  is  so  formed,  it  is  conveyed 
to  the  other  parts  of  the  plant,  and  either  stored  away,  as  in  potatoes  or  grain,  which  consist 
largely  of  starch,  or  transformed  into  the  other  materials  of  which  the  plant  is  made  up.  And 
this  formation  of  starch  in  the  chlorophyll  grains,  and  transportation,  transformation  and  storage 
to  build  up  the  plant  is  going  on  continually  as  the  plant  grows.  If  then,  no  starch  is  formed  by 
the  chlorophyll  in  the  leaves,  normal  growth  is  impossible." 

Now,  in  every  one  of  Dr.  Nobbe's  plants  grown  in  artificial  soil  without  potash,  after  the 
starch  of  the  seeds  was  used  up,  no  more  appeared  in  the  leaves.  As  Dr.  Nobbe  says  at  the  con- 
clusion of  over  a  hundred  pages  of  description  of  his  experiments,  "  without  potasli  the  plant 
cannot  assimilate  (the  materials  needful  for  its  growth)  and  shows  no  increase  in  weight, 
because,  without  the  co-operation  of  potash  in  the  chlorophyll  grains,  no  starch  is  formed." 

The  extent  of  the  variations  of  the  leading  organic  ingredients  in  potatoes,  and  some  of  the 
reasons  for  the  same  as  given  by  Dr.  Voelcker  of  England,  are  here  given  as  comprising  some  of 
the  most  reliable  data  offered  at  the  present  time. 

"  The  variation  in  proportion  of  starch  in  different  samples  of  potatoes  are  chiefly  caused  by 
the  variety  cultivated,  by  the  soil  upon  which  and  the  locality  where  the  plants  were  grown,  and  by 
the  time  during  which  the  tubers  have  been  kept.    Thus  the  following  varieties  grown  in  Scot- 
land yielded  respectively  of  starch :  " 
Connaught  Cups,       ---.-...-----       21      per  cent. 

Irish  Blacks,        ---- .._.        16>^    "       " 

White  Dons,        --....--..--.--        13        "       " 
Red  Dons,    ---------- lOK    "       " 

The  influence  of  soil  and  locality  in  affecting  proportion  of  starch  in  the  same 
variety  of  potato  is  seen  from  the  following  determinations,  according  to  which 
Buffs  gave  in  Mid  Lothian,        -..-.-.----        14.89  per  cent. 

Buffs  gave  in  Forfarshire,  -        -_-_.------       20.71  "       " 

Cups  gave  in  Argyleshire,  --...------        15.14  "       " 

Cups  gave  in  Mid  Lothian,        ------ 23.82  "       " 

On  keeping,  the  proportion  of  starch  diminishes  in  potatoes.  Thus  Payen  found  the  same 
variety  of  potato  to  yield  in 

October,         -- 17.2 

November,    -----------------        16.8 

December,    -----------------        15.6 

.January,        ---------._------        15.5 

February,      ---.-.---.-------        15.2 

March,  ------------------15. 

April, - 14.2 

"  The  amount  of  the  albuminous  or  flesh  forming  constituents  of  potatoes,  according  to  Boussin- 
gault,  is  greater  in  newly  dug  potatoes  than  in  others  which  have  been  kept  some  time.  Thus.in 
newly  dug  potatoes  he  found  them  to  amount  to  2X  per  cent.,  and  in  long  kept  potatoes  to  only 
IK  per  cent,  of  their  weight.  The  flrst,  according  to  this  determination,  when  dried,  contained  9 
and  the  latter  only  6  per  cent,  of  albuminous  substances." 

"  In  diseased  potatoes  the  proportion  of  albuminous  matters  is  smaller  than  in  healthy,  as  the 
disease  primarily  attacks  the  albuminous  matters,  which,  when  once  attacked  are  readily  decom- 
posed, and  changed  into  ammonia  and  other  compounds." 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


9 


Dr.  Voelcker  also  states  that  the  analysis  of  the  ash  of  a  diseased  potato  failed  to  show 
any  material  difference  from  that  of  a  healthy  one.  A  small  increase  in  the  amount  of 
silica  in  the  diseased  potato  was  the  only  noticeable  difference. 


PROXIMATE  ANALYSIS  OF  THE  POTATO 

Potato  Tuber  (air  dry). 

Average  Composition  (100  lbs.),  as  given  by 


Voelcker. 

Johnston. 

Fresenius. 

S. 

W 

.  Johnson. 

Water, 

75. 

75.52 

71. 

76. 

Starch. 

15. 

15.72 

15. 

20. 

Albumen, ) 

3. 

Gluten,       V 

2. 

2.20 

2.43 

Casein,       ) 

Fat, 

.24 

.24 

.20 

Fibre, 

5. 

2.47 

7. 

1 

Sugar,  Gum, 
Ash, 

etc.,        1.76 
1. 

3.40 
.97 

J 
1. 

Extreme  percentages. 
(Various  authorities.) 
Lowest.    Highest. 


68.94 
10.75 

77. 
21. 

1.50 

2.85 

.10 
3. 

.42 
7. 

.651  . 

22  . 

1  Maximum  percentage  of  water  in  27  varieties  Young  Potatoes  was  82  per  cent.    (Voelcker. ) 

2  Calculated  on  basis  75  per  cent,  water  in  air  dry  potatoes ;  from  2.60  to  8  per  cent  given  as 
ash  in  potatoes  (dried). — {How  Crops  Grow.) 

The  Variations  in  the  Ash  Ingredients  of  different  varieties  of  Potatoes  grown 
upon  the  same  soil  and  ijrecisely  similar  circumstances  are  shown  in  the  following  anal- 
yses by  Herapatli. 


Prince's  Axbridge 


Potash, 
Chloride  Sodium, 


White  Apple. 
69.7 

Beauty. 
65.2 

Kidney. 
70.6 

Magpie. 

70. 

Forty-fold 
62.1 

2.5 

3.3 

3.5 
20.7 

7.9 

3. 

6.5 
17.2 
3.6 

1.8 

5.5 

20.8 

6. 

5.0 
5.0 
14.9 
4.3 

5. 
2.1 
14  4 
7.5 



0.2 



lame,     ------ 

Magnesia,       -        -        -        -        - 
Pho.sphoric  Acid,  -        -        - 

Sulpliuric  Acid,     -        -        -        - 
Silica,     ------ 

The  extreme  variations  in  the  ash  ingredients  of  Potatoes  of  different  varieties  and 
grown  upon  various  soils  may  be  seen  in  the  annexed  table,  taken  from  Prof.  Johnson's  stand- 
ard work,  "How  Crops  Grow."  (page  156). 

Lowest  Percentages.  Highest  Percentages. 


Per  cent,  of  ash. 

Potash, 

Soda, 

Magnesia, 

Lime, 

Oxide  Iron, 


Phosphoric  Acid,      -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -.9- 

Sulphuric  Acid,         -        -        -        -        -        -        -        -S-^ 

Silica,         -------        --        -c^ 

Chlorine,  --.------^ 


38  Analyses. 
2.60 
1  42.9 
0.0 
2.5 
0.5 
0.0 
11.2 
0.4 
0.0 
0.0 


39  Analyses. 

8.05 
1  73. 60 
I  12.80 
I    6.60 

6.20 
)■  6. 
I  27.10 
I  18.00 
I  6.50 
J    8.70 


Average  composition  of  1000  lbs.  of  Potato  Tubers,  natm-al  condition  (air  dry);  also  of  100 
bushels  and  one  bushel. 


Water,         -       -        .       . 
Starch,  -        -        -        . 

*Albumen,  Casein,  Fibrin, 
Fibre,  fat,  etc.,    -        -       - 
Ash,  9  to  10  lbs.  containing- 
Potash,       -        -        .        - 
Soda,    -       -       -       -       - 
Magnesia,     -        -        -        - 
Lime,    -        - 
Phosphoric  Acid,    - 
Sulphuric  Acid, 
Silica,  ----- 
Chlorine,      -        -        - 
Sulphur,       -        -        -        . 


1000  lbs. 

750.00 

150  to  200.00 

20.00 

70  to  20.00 


fs.eo 

I  .10 
.40 
.20 

!  1.80 

1    .60 

.20 

.30 

!    .20 

I.   .60 


100  bushels. 
6000  lbs. 

4500. 
1200. 

120. 

120. 


f  33.60 

.60 
2.40 
1.20 
10.80 

3.60 
1.20 
I  1.80 
I  1.20 
t   3.60 


^i 


6000  lbs. 


1  bush. 
60  lbs. 

45. 

12. 
1.200 
1.200 

r.336 

.006 

A      024 

i     .012 

-  I  .108 

:2  ■!  ,036 

.012 

.018 

.012 

,.036 

60  lbs. 


1000  lbs. 

♦Nitrogen  exists  to  the  extent  of  sixteen  per  cent,  (about  one-eighth  entire  weight)  in  these 
albuminoids.    Therefore  1000  lbs.  potato  tubers  would  contain  3.20  lbs.,  of  nitrogen. 

MANURING  OP  POTATOES. 

The  supply  of  lime  and  sulphuric  to  potatoes  is  cheaply  given  in  the  form  of  plaster,  which  as 
before  stated,  serves  an  excellent  purpose  in  practice  in  protecting  vines  against  extreme  changes 


10  B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


in  weather,  liability  to  rot,  etc.  Soda  and  chlorine,  if  found  to  act  well,  will  cost  but  little  in  the  form 
of  refuse  salt  or  brine.  The  main  fertilizing  ingredients,  however,  with  which  the  potato-grower, 
need  concern  himself  are  the  following  :  Nitrogen,  Phosplioric  Acid  and  Potash.  The  fol- 
lowing gives  the  quantity  of  each  contained  in  1,000  pounds,  as  well  as  in  100  bushels,  and  a 
single  bushel  of  tubers : 

Contained  in  ---------        -    1,000  lbs.        0,000  lbs.  60  lbs. 

(100  bushels).  (Single  bushel). 
Nitrogen,        ----------       3.20  19.20  0.192 

Phosphoric  acid,    -        - 1.80  10,80  0.108 

Potash.   -----------        5.60  33.60  0.336 

10.60  lbs.        63.60  lbs.  0.036  lbs. 

To  supply  all  the  phosphoric  acid  and  potash  required  for  the  growth  of  each  100  bushels 
of  potato  tubers  (the  vines  supposed  to  remain  on  the  land)  without  exhausting  the  soil  of 
any  of  its  resources  in  these  ingredients,  would  therefore  require  say  11  pounds  of  phosphoric 
acid,  and  say  34  pounds  of  potash,  and  for  continued  potato  culture  an  application  of  an  equal 
quantity  for  eacli  era]}.  In  the  case  of  nitrogen,  however,  the  quantity  may  safely  be  reduced  to 
10  pounds,  instead  of  using  nearly  20  pounds,  as  called  for  by  the  composition  of  100  bushels  of 
tubers.  The  reasons  for  this  reduction  in  the  quantity  of  nitrogen  in  the  manure  are  as  before 
explained,  viz. :  The  natural  power  of  the  potato  plant  to  derive  nitrogen  from  the  air,  (a  cheap 
source,)  the  tendency  as  shown  in  practice,  of  nitrogen  to  induce,  except  when  used  in  very  lim- 
ited quantity,  an  over-rank  vine-growth  and  a  poor  quality  and  a  limited  quantity  of 
tubers,  besides  an  almost  certain  tendency  on  the  part  of  the  potato  crop  towards  "  disease." 

Taking  the  quantities  of  nitrogen,  phosphoric  acid  and  potash,  as  above  advised,  we  have  the 
cost  of  the  same  at  the  current  rates,  furnished  in  the  best  known  forms,  (Peruvian  Guano,  blood 
or  flesh,  dissolved-bone  and  potash  salts),  as  follows: 

For  100  bushels  of  potatoes : 

Pounds.  Price  per  lb. 

Nitrogen,      ------------        9.60  21]4c.           $2.05 

Phosphoric  acid,  -----------      10.80  9c.                  .97 

Potash,          .--- .--      33.60  7>^c.              2.52 

Cost  for  100  bushels,  ------- ,---       $5.B4 

Equal  to  a  cost  for  single  bushel.  5)4  cents. 

To  grow  300  bushels  of  potatoes,  irrespective  of  resources  of  the  soil,  would  require  of: 
Nitrogen,  -----.-        -----------29  lbs. 

Phosphoric  acid,      ---------------32  lbs. 

Potash,      -----------------      100  lbs. 

The  following  table  gives  the  leading  commercial  sources  for  the  above  named  ingredients, 
and  also  the  quantities  of  each  required  to  supply  the  necessary  quantity  of  potash,  phosphoric 
acid  and  nitrogen  required  for  300  bushels  of  potatoes. 

COMMEKCIAI.   SOURCES   OF   POTASH. 

Quantity  of  Each  Required  to  Yield  100  lbs.  of  Potash. 

Potash.  Phosph  acid, 
lbs.  lbs. 

Wood  ashes  (unleached,  25  bushels),       -       -       -  1,200  lbs.  will  yield        100  50 

Wood  ashes  (leached,  117  bushels),  -        -        -       -  6,670  lbs.    "      "  100  100 

♦Sulphate  of  Potash.        -        -        -         "Kainit"  800  lbs.     "      "  100 

"  <'        .'  -        .        -        -      50  per  cent.      364  lbs.    "      "  100 

"  .'        u      _        _        _        .        .      72  per  cent.      250  lbs.    '•      "  100 

■   "  "•<-----      80  per  cent.      228  lbs.    '■      "  100 

tMiiriate  of  Potash,  -       -       -       -       -     80  per  cent.      200  lbs.    "      "  100 

*In  the  use  of  the  low  grade  potash  salts  known  as  "  Kainit,"  as  a  source  of  potash  for  pota- 
toes, it  is  necessary  to  take  precautions  against  damage  arising  from  the  presence  of  chloride  of 
magnesium  which  this  grade  of  potash  salt  contains  to  the  extent  of  some  ten  per  cent.  (20O  lbs. 
to  the  ton).  These  "  Kainit"  salts  average  only  some  13  per  cent,  of  actual  potash,  it  therefore 
requires  some  700  lbs.  per  acre,  provided  this  salt  is  used  alone,  to  give  100  lbs.  of  actual  potash, 
(the  quantity  required  for  300  bushels  of  potatoes).  The  use  of  this  quantity  per  acre  would  be 
attended  with  serious  danger  to  the  crop  owing  to  the  presence  of  some  70  lbs.  (10  per  cent.)  of 
chloride  magnesium.  The  only  safe  method  of  application  is  to  sow  broadcast  and  harrow  in 
several  weeks  before  planting. 

Professor  S.  W.  Johnson  advises  the  mixing  of  fifteen  pounds  of  air-slacked  lime. with  each 
one  hundred  pounds  of  '.' Kainit "  before  use.  This  is  said  to  counteract  any  injurious  effects 
that  might  otherwise  arise  from  the  presence  of  the  chloride  of  magnesium.  In  Germany  they 
seldom  use  this  grade  in  quantities  exceeding  500  to  600  lbs.  per  acre. 

tThe  muriate  of  potash  is  open  to  the  objection  for  use  on  potatoes,  that  it  has  a  tendency 
to  produce  tubers  of  an  inferior  quality— watery  and  waxy.    It  is  recommended  to  use  as  a  source 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


of  potash,  when  the  formation  of  starch  or  sugar  is  desired,  either  wood  ashes  or  some  grade  of 
sulphate  of  potash  (as  free  as  possible  from  any  chloride  salt.) 

COMMEKCIAL  SOURCES  OF  PHOSPBCOKIC  ACID. 

Quantity  of  Each  Required  to  Tield   32   lbs.   of   Phosphoric  Acid. 

Nitrogen.  Phos.  acid.  Potash, 
lbs.  lbs.  lbs. 

Pure  Fine  Bone,  (dissolved  in  sulphuric  acid),         267  lbs.  will  yield       G  32 

Pure  Bone  Meal,        ------        160  lbs.    "      "  6  32 

Dissolved  Bone  Black,       -----        230  lbs.    "      '•  32 

Rectified  Peruvian  Guano,         -        -        -        -        228  lbs.    "      "  16.  .32  i}i 

COMMERCIAI.   SOURCES   OF   NITROGEN. 

Quantity  Required  of  Each  to  Yield  30  lbs.  of  Nitrogen. 

Nitrogen.  Phos.  acid.  Potash. 
Dried  Flesh  or  Blood,      --------        30O  30 

Rectified  Peruvian,  ---------        375  30  52>^  6}^ 

jNitrate  of  Soda,      ---------        192  30 

§3ulpliate  of  Ammonia,  --------        145  30 

Pure  Bone  Meal,      ---------        800  30  160 

tThese  articles,  nitrate  of  soda  and  sulphate  of  ammonia,  as  they  furnish  nothing  of  value 
but  nitrogen,  should  be  used  in  potato  culture  with  caution,  and  in  small  quantities.  Their  effect 
upon  potatoes,  except  when  used  on  soil  abounding  in  the  mineral  ingredients  (particularly 
phosrihoric  acid  and  potash),  will  be  to  produce  an  excessive  vine-growth  and  a  yield  of  tubers 
small  in  quantity  and  inferior  in  quality. 

*A  COMPLETE  MANURE  FOR  POTATOES. 

The  composition  of  a  good  potato  manure  for  average  soils,and  suitable /&?■  continued  culture 
of  this  crop,  would  be : 

Per  100  lbs. 
Nitrogen,         -------------4   to   5  percent. 

Phosphoric  acid  (from  dissolved  bone  or  Peruvian  Guano),       -        -        -        5   to   6     "      " 
Potash  (in  the  form  of  a  Sulphate  of  Potash),      -        -        -        -        -        -      13   to  14     "      " 

*This  formula  will  be  found  to  correspond  in  composition  with  the  potato  manure  offered  for 
sale  by  us.  Price  per  ton,  $52. 00 ;  per  bag  (200  lbs.),  $5.40 ;  cartage  (50c)  charged  only  on  less  than 
half  ton.  One  to  three  bags  sufficient  per  acre.  Directions  for  use  accompany  each  bag.  See 
our  Price  List  of  Fertilizers. 

•-•-• 


i 


Eureka  Tree  and  Post-Hole  Digger. 

Indispensable  to  Every  Farmer,  Nurseryman,  and  Rail- 
road and  Telegraph  Co. 

The  Grand  Medal  of  the  Centennial  Exhibition  has  been  award- 
ed to  us  for  our  Digger  for  "  distinguished  merit"  and  great  "  ex- 
cellence." We  have  also  received  the  prize  at  six  State,  and  twenty 
County  fairs,  and  have  always  received  the  premiums  wherever  we 
have  exhibited. 

This  tool  has  been  thoroughly  tested  during  the  past  three 
years,  and  as  yet  no  place  has  been  found  where  it  has  failed  to 
do  its  work  satisfactorily.  The  principle  on  which  it  works  pre- 
vents adhesion  in. sticky  soils,  hence  it  always  works  free  and  easy ; 
no  clogging,' no  knee  work,  no  backache.  It  is  far  superior  to  all 
Plungers,  Augers  and  Boring  Machines,  as  it  works  equally  well  in 
stony,  sandy  and  clay  soils.  Quicksand  under  water  is  as  certainly 
handled  and  removed  as  though  no  water  existed.  Hundreds  have 
used  them  for  setting  curbs  in  wells,  where  there  was  quicksand. 
For  setting  out  trees  and  transplanting  it  is  unequaled ;  also  for 
cleansing  out  wells  and  for  tiling. 

One  man  with  this  Digger  can  do  five  times  as  much  work  in 
the  same  time,  as  can  be  done  in  any  other  way.  One  great  advan- 
tage in  using  the  Eureka  Digger  is,  that  you  need  make  the  post- 
hole  only  a  little  larger  than  the  post,  thus  causing  it  to  set  firmer 
than  where  a  larger  hole  is  dug.  The  size  of  the  hole  dug  is  bound- 
ed only  by  the  requirements  of  ils  purpose,  and  can  be  made  of 
I  any  inclination  or  shape,  and  anything  that  can  be  reduced  or 
loosened  to  five  inches  or  less  in  diameter,  can  be  easily  removed. 
As  constructed  for  ordinary  use,  it  will  dig  readily  four  feet  deep. 
Its  durability  will  equal  any  tool  made  for  any  purpose,  the  mate- 
rial being  cast  steel.  But  should  any  part  fail  from  use  or  acci- 
dent, duplicate  parts  can  be  furnished ;  in  this  way  it  can  be  kept 
good  for  a  generation.        Price,  $5.00.        Send  for  Circular. 


NEW  ^V^J^HIETIES 


POTATOES  FOR  1878. 


We  take  much  pleasure  in  offering  two  new  Potatoes,  which  we  are  confident  are  destined  to 
occupy  a  prominent  position  in  the  list  of  varieties  heretofore  introduced  by  us. 

We  refer  witli  jjleasure  to  the  great  popularity  of  most  ofithe  varieties  sent  out  by  us  within 
the  past  ten  years,  among  which  are  the  Early  Kose,  King  of  the  Earlies,  Bresee's  Pro- 
lific, Peei'less,  Climax,  Late  Kose,  Extra  Early  Vermont,  Compton's  Surprise, 
Brownell's  Beauty,  Eureka,  Snowflake,  Alpha,  Ruby,  Centennial,  Superior  and 
Bliss's  Improved  Peach  Blow.  There  is  no  section  of  the  country  in  which  these  varieties 
have  been  tested,  where  tbey  have  have  not  proved  superior  to  the  older  varieties  in  cultivation, 
so  much  so,  that  in  our  leading  markets,  by  far  the  greater  portion  of  those  now  offered  for  sale 
were  first  introduced  by  us.  Many  of  our  varieties  are  also  exceedingly  popular  in  foreign  mar- 
kets, where  they  have  been  successfully  hybridized  with  their  finest  sorts,  producing  varieties  far 
superior  to  those  formerly  in  cultivation. 

Notwithstanding  the  many  fine  sorts  now  in  cultivation,  we  believe  the  Potato  to  be  suscepti- 
ble of  still  greater  improvement,  and  our  numerous  growers  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  are 
constantly  exerting  themselves,  by  careful  hybridization,  to  introduce  some  new  variety  which 
shall  exceed,  in  some  important  respect,  those  already  in  cultivation.  We  have  many  very 
promising  varieties  on  trial,  and  shall  continue  to  add  to  our  list,  from  time  to  time,  such  as  we 
think  worthy  of  dissemination. 


TROPHY. 

This  new  and  exceedingly  fine  variety  is,  like  most  of  those  heretofore  sent  out  by  us,  a  native 
of  northern  Vermont,  and  is  one  of  several  very  promising  varieties  raised  from  a  packet  of  Prin- 
gle's  Hybridized  Potato  seed,  by  a  most  successful  cultivator,  and  is  sure  to  become  a  general  fa-, 
vorite.  It  is  a  seedling  of  the  Ruby  impregnated  with  the  Excelsior,  and  is  a  decided  improve- 
ment upon  both  of  these  varieties. 

Tubers  of  medium  size,  very  regular  in  form,  elongated  oval,  somewhat  flattened,  eyes  very 
few,  almost  flat  upon  the  surface,  resembling,  in  many  respects,  the  well-known  Snowflake,  skin 
reddish,  slightly  russeted,  flesh  fine  grain,  white,  and  of  excellent  quality,  either  baked  or  boiled. 
Vines  are  stout  and  vigorous,  foliage  dark  green.  It  matures  its  crop  about  two  weeks  later  than 
the  Early  Rose.  The  tubers  are  compactly  clustered  around  the  base  of  the  stalk,  and  easily  dug. 
It  is  a  good  keeper,  very  productive,  and  we  are  confident  will  become  a  general  favorite. 

This  variety  was  exhibited  in  London  at  the  great  International  Potato  Show,  in  October  last, 
and  received  a  first-class  certificate. 

Price,  $1.00  per  pound ;  three  pounds  to  one  address,  $2.50;  by  mail,  post-paid. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS*  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


BLISSES  TRIUMPH. 

This  new  and  beautiful  variety  is,  without  exception,  the  most  attractive  in  appearance  of 
any  that  we  have  yet  offered,  and  will  also  compare  favorably  with  the  best  of  them  in  quality. 
It  originated  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  several  years  since,  and  has  been  faithfully  tested,  by 
the  originator,  and  found  to  maintain  its  good  qualities  from  year  to  year.  It  was  raised  from  a 
seed  ball  of  the  well-known  Peerless  crossed  with  a  seedling  of  the  Early  Rose.  It  combines  the 
wonderful  productiveness  of  the  Peerless,  with  all  the  good  qualities  of  the  Early  Rose,  is  much 
more  productive,  and  matures  its  crop  at  least  ten  days  in  advance  of  that  favorite  sort,  before 
the  second  crop  of  beetles  appear.  In  color  and  form  it  resembles  the  Garnet  Chili,  though 
greatly  improved  in  form  and  quality.  Tubers  of  medium  size,  round  and  uniform  in  shape,  with 
but  a  v«ry  few  small  ones,  eyes  slightly  depressed,  color  a  beautiful  light  red,  strongly  resembling 
the  early  varieties  from  Bermuda;  flesh  fine  grain  and  of  excellent  flavor.  Vines  about  two  feet 
in  hight,  erect,  with  but  a  few  lateral  branches,  covered  with  long,  darlc-green  foliage. 

The  tubers  groi^  compactly  in  the  hill,  are  easily  harvested.  It  is  an  excellent  keeper;  not 
inclined  to  sprout  early.  Its  great  beauty,  productiveness,  and  fine  quality,  will  make  it  one  of 
the  best  market  varieties  in  cultivation. 

Price,  $1.00  per  pound ;  three  pounds  to  one-address,  $2.50  by  mail,  post-paid.  By  express  or 
freight,  charges  to  be  paid  by  the  purchaser,  one-half  peck,  $3.00;  one  peck,  $5.00. 


HARLEQUIN", 


OK  VAKIEGATED-LEAVED  EAKLY  ROSE. 

This  singular  variety  was  discovered,  several  years  since,  in  a  field  of  Early  Rose,  and  only 
differs  from  that  variety  in  the  foliage,  which  is  beautifully  variegated  with  different  shades  of 
white  and  yellow,  resembling  many  of  the  ornamental  varieties  of  the  Coleus  now  so  extensively 
grown  in  the  flower  garden.  It  has  been  cultivated  for  several  years,  and  the  variegations  are 
quite  constant.  In  some  soils  it  is  almost  entirely  white  or  straw  color,  with  an  occasional  green 
leaf,  and  in  others  the  green  predominates.  The  variegation  is  much  more  marked  in  light  soil 
but  little  manured.  By  planting  this  variety,  you  not  only  have  a  desirable  crop  for  domestic  use, 
but  a  decorative  plant  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  flower  garden. 

Price  per  pound,  $1.00;  single  tubers,  25  cents  each. 


B.  K.  BUSS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


MAI^HATTA]^. 

In  this  variety  we  have  what  may  be  called  an  "  Improved  Compton's  Surprise."  It  combines 
all  the  good  qualities  of  that  favorite  variety,  but  is  much  more  regular  in  form,  and  consequently 
more  desirable  as  a  market  variety.  In  shape  it  is  nearly  round,  sometimes  a  little  oblong,  skin 
dark  purple,  occasionally  blotched  with  white;  origin  unknown;  flesh  white,  very  solid,  fine 
grain,  cooks  through  evenly,  either  in  baking  or  boiling;  dry  and  mealy,  and  of  excellent  quality. 
Size,  medium  to  large,  eyes  slightly  depressed,  vines  vigorous,  a  little  spreading,  of  a  dark  green 
color;  one  of  the  most  productive  in  cultivation.  It  is  an  excellent  keeper,  and  can  be  strongly 
recommended  as  a  main  crop  variety. 

Price,  75  cents  per  lb. ;  3  lbs.  $2.00,  by  mail  post-paid ;  by  express,  freiffht  paid  by  the  pur- 
chaser, $3.00  per  peck,  $10.00  per  bushel. 


EARLY  OHIO. 

A  seedling  of  the  Early  Kose,  and  similar  in  color,  habit  of  growth,  and  appearance,  with  the 
exception  of  being  a  round  oblong,  while  the  former  is  more  of  an  oval  oblong,  so  that  side  by 
side  it  is  readily  distinguishable.  It  is  several  days  earlier  and  more  productive,  and  of  very  fine 
quality.    It  has  given  general  satisfaction  wherever  it  has  been  tested. 

By  mail,  60  cents  per  pound ;  2  pounds  $1.00. 

By  express  or  freight  at  expense  of  purchaser,  1  jieck  $1.00;  1  bushel  $2.25;  1  bbl.  $5.00. 


BURBAI^K'S   SEEDLIISTG. 

A  seedling  of  the  Early  Kose,  tubers  large,  long  and  slim,  eyes  few  and  but  little  depressed; 
flesh  white,  fine  grain,  dry  and  floury;  cooks  through  readily.  It  is  a  second  early  variety,  very 
productive,  and  superior  for  the  market,  as  its  size  and  general  appearance  are  very  much  in  its 
favor. 

By  mail,  60  cents  per  pound  ;  2  pounds  $1.00. 

By  express  or  freight  at  purchaser's  expense,  1  peck  fl.OO;  1  bushel  $2.25;  1  bbl.  $5.00. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Varieties  for  1877. 


«■»»« 


^••'■■^'■^uiuiiuiiimuiHimiiiiHiiiiiniiiiiuiimi'^' 


SUPERIOR.     (Brownell. ) 

The  parentage  of  this  variety  is  the  same  as  that  of  the  "  Centennial."  It  was  produced  in 
1873,  from  a  seed  ball  of  Brownell's  Beauty,  fertilized  with  Peachblow.  The  yield  of  this  new 
seedling  potato  is  enormous  ;  six  hundred  and  seventy-three  pounds  were  grown  from  one  pound 
of  jfeed,  during  a  season  of  unprecedented  drouth,  when  many  older  varieties  did  not  yield  enough 
to  pay  for  the  digging.  Its  tubers  are  medium  to  large,  elongated  oval  or  cylindrical,  of  a  pecu- 
liar dark  copper  color,  and  very  uniform  and  handsome  in  appearance.  Skin  very  fine  and 
smooth,  eyes  few  and  small.  The  vines  are  strong  and  healthy,  and  the  growth  of  the  roots  and 
tubers,  close  around  the  stalks.  It  ripens  second  early  or  medium  late  ;  keeps  well  during  Win- 
ter, and  retains  its  mealiness  and  excellent  table  qualities  through  the  entire  season.  A  certifi- 
cate of  merit  was  awarded  to  this  variety  at  the  great  International  Potato  Exhibition  at  London, 
last  September.  , 

Price,  60  cts.  per  pound;  2  Ihs.,  $1.00,  by  mail  to  one  address,  post-paid.  By  express  or  freight, 
charges  to  be  paid  by  purchaser ;  1  peck  $1.00,  bush.,  $3.00,  bbl.  $7.00. 


DUl^^MORE. 

This  new  seedling — a  white  skinned  and  white  fleshed  variety,  which  originated  in  Vermont, 
tested  side  by  side  with  over  forty  varieties,  in  every  requisite  of  a  first-class  potato,  ranks  but 
second  to  the  Burbank.  It  is  superior  in  its  yield,  size  of  the  tubers,  handsome  appearance  and 
fine  floury  quality  either  boiled  or  baked,  of  the  varieties  that  have  recently  become  famous.  As 
the  same  potato  varies  on  different  soils,  possibly  on  some  soils  the  Dunmore  may  give  greater 
satisfaction  than  the  Burbank  Seedling. 

The  past  season  the  crop  has  been  remarkably  large.  Some  of  the  potatoes  weighing  two 
pounds  each,  and  were  perfect  in  shape.  Its  general  appearance  somewhat  resembles  the  Peer- 
less, but  it  surpas-es  that  well  known  variety  in  both  yield  and  quality. 

By  mail  60  cts.  per  lb.,  2  lbs.  $1.00.  By  express  or  freight,  at  purchaser's  expense;  1  peck, 
$1.00,  1  bu,sh.  $2.25,  1  bbl.  $5.00. 


WHITE  ROSE. 

Similar  in  many  respects  to  the  Late  Rose,  said  by  the  raiser  to  be  of  very  superior  quality. 
By  mail,  60  cts.  per  lb.,  2  lbs.  $1.00.    By  express  or  freight,  1  peck  $1.00,  1  bush.  $2.25, 1  bbl. 
$6.00. 


16 


B.  K    BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


-^^^^^^ 


1.  .\^* 


\ 


--i¥ 


'   "1  II 

"~°MUl!lBlllllllllllllllllllll|]IIUlll'ilU!™''^ 

OEETTElSri^IAL.    (Brown ell.) 

This  new  seedling  was  raised  by  E.  S.  Brownell,  tiie  originator  of  that  well-known  and  favor- 
ite variety,  "  Brownell's  Beauty."  It  was  produced  in  1874,  by  fertilizing  the  blossoms  of  the 
Brownell's  Beauty  with  pollen  from  the  "White  Peachblow.  The  vines  are  upright,  stout,  vigor- 
ous and  of  medium  hight;  foliage  dark  green,  strongly  resembling  the  leaves  of  a  Raspberry; 
very  healthy.  The  tubers  are  compactly  clustered  around  the  base  of  the  stalks,  consequently, 
easy  to  dig;  are  of  a  good  medium  and  uniform  size;  shape  nearly  round,  somewhat  flattened, 
very  synnnetrical,  remarkably  uniform  and  handsome,  never  rough  or  prongy,  eyes  few  and  quite 
small,  and  but  slightly  depressed  near  the  seed  end ;  stem  set  in  a  shallow,  round  basin  ;  skin  of 
a  deep  red  color,  smooth  and  uniform  in  coloring;  season  second  early  or  medium.  Its  flesh  is 
of  exceedingly  fine  grain,  white,  and  when  boiled  or  baked  of  a  lightness  and  porosity  seldom 
equaled ;  cook  through  evenly  without  any  hard  or  watery  core. 

During  the  past  two  seasons  it  has  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most  productive  varieties ;  its  tu- 
bers were  perfect  in  every  respect,  never  hollow  or  false-hearted;  and  their  excellent  and  delicate 
flavor  places  them  in  the  first  ranks  of  our  best  table  potatoes. 

Per  lb.,  60  cts. ;  2  lbs.  to  one  address,  Si. 00  by  mail,  prepaid.  By  express  or  freight,  charges 
paid  by  the  purchaser,  1  peck,  $1.00;  biish.,  $3.00;  bbl.,  $7.00. 


TWO  NEW  VARIETIES  OF  SWEET  CORN. 

Dolly  Button. — The  earliest  sweet  corn  ever  introduced.  A  very  dwarf-growing  sort,  stalks 
from  three  to  four  feet  high.  Ears  small,  averaging  from  four  to  five  inches  in  length,  kernels 
of  good  size ;  tender,  very  sweet  and  delicious.  It  ripens  from  seven  to  ten  days  earlier  than  the 
Early  Minnesota,  and  is  of  much  better  quality. 

Package  containing  .sufficient  for  -fifty  hills,  25  ce7its ;  five  packages  for  $1.00;  selected  ears, 
15  cents  each ;  two  for  25  cents  :  f  1.25  per  dozen. 

Wasliington  Market.— This  is,  without  exception,  the  best  of  the  large  varieties  of  sweet 
corn,  and  when  better  known,  will,  we  are  confident,  become  a  standard  variety  for  general  cul- 
tivation.   See  description,  page  120,  in  our  Guide  to  the  Flower  and  Kitchen  Garden. 

Select  ears,  30  cents  each.  Packets  containing  sufficient  seed  for  one  hundred  hills,  2b  cents ; 
50  cents  per  pint ;  75  cents  per  quart.  By  express,  freight  paid  by  the  purchaser,  or  when  delivered 
at  our  counter,  50  cents  per  quart ;  $3.00  per  peck. 

EARLY  lilMA   BEAN. 

This  variety  has  been  in  cultivation  for  several  years  by  a  skillful  horticulturist,  but  is  now 
offered  for  the  first  time.  A  careful  trial  the  past  season  proved  it  to  be  ten  days  earlier  than  the 
ordinary  variety,  besides  being  very  productive  and  of  extra  fine  quality. 

Packets,  25  cents  each ;  per  pint,  $1.00. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


17 


IMPROVED  PEACHBLOW. 

A  cross  between  the  "Jersey  Peachblow  "  and  "  Excelsior,"  grown  in  1873  by  an  experienced 
hybridizer  of  Vermont,  who  has  devoted  many  years  in  experimenting  with  the  Potato.  It  par- 
takes some  characteristics  of  each  of  its  parents,  the  vines  and  leaves  having  the  appearance  of 
the  "  Excelsior,"  while  its  tubers  resemble  the  "Peachblow."  The  form  of  the  tubers,  however, 
is  more  round  and  regular  than  that  of  the  "  Peachblow."  While  in  quality  it  fully  equals  that 
old  standard  market  sort,  in  productiveness  it  far  excels  the  same,  yielding  nearly  double  as 
much  per  acre.  Its  season  of  ripening  is  somewhat  earlier  than  that  of  the  "  Peachblow,"  and 
the  growth  of  its  tubers  is  more  compact  and  closer  in  the  hills.  Taking  all  its  points  together,  it 
may  be  considered  a  rejuvenated  and  reinvigorated  "Peachblow,"  combining  all  the  best  quali- 
ties of  that  general  favorite,  in  its  best  days,  with  the  additional  advantages  of  earlier  ripening 
and  compacter  growth. 

Price,  $0.60  per  lb.;  2  lbs.  for  $1.00,  by  mail,  to  one  address,  postpaid.  By  express  or  freight, 
charges  to  he  paid  by  the  purchaser,  1  peek,  $1.00;  bush.,  f  3.00;  bbl.,  $7.00. 


Bliss's  Improved  Long  Orange  Carrot. 

This  superior  variety  is  the  result  of  a  careful  selection,  for  successive  years,  of  the  best 
formed,  largest  and  deepest  colored  roots  of  the  Improved  Long  Orange  Carrot,  by  which  it  has 
attained  a  perfection  hitherto  unknown  in  this  useful  vegetable,  being  larger,  better  flavored,  and 
of  a  deeper  orange  color,  and  more  sure  to  produce  a  crop.  Butter  makers  will  find  this  variety 
very  useful  in  giving  to  their  butter  a  rich,  deep  yellow  color.  We  unhesitatingly  pronounce  it 
the  best  variety  in  the  market,  and  one  which  will  not  fail  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  purchaser. 
One  ounce,  15  cents;  four  ounces,  40  cents ;  one  lb.,  $1.25 ;  by  mail, postpaid. 


18 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Varieties  of  187B  and  1876. 


RUBY.    (Pringie.) 

1,983  lbs.  (33  bushels)  grown  from  one  pound  of  Seed. 

A  new  red  kidney-shaped  Potato  of  superior  quality,  raised  in  1871  from  the  Early  Rose  hy- 
bridized with  the  White  Peachblow.  Its  hybrid  origin  is  quite  apparent.  The  shape  is  oblong, 
slightly  flattened,  resembling  that  of  the  Early  Rose.  In  its  coloring  the  red  of  the  latter  variety 
is  deepened  by  the  carmine  which  shows  in  the  blotches  of  the  White  Peachblow.  The  eyes, 
which  are  but  slightly  sunken,  are  carmine  like  those  of  this  variety.  The  flesh  possesses  much 
the  character  of  the  Peachblows,  being  white,  fine-grained,  firm,  and  of  excellent  flavor.  The 
tubers  are  of  approved  medium  size ;  and  are  clustered  close  about  the  foot  of  the  stalks.  These 
are  short  and  stout,  with  fohage  broad,  thick,  and  of  a  very  dark  green  color.  The  time  of  matu- 
rity is  the  same  as  that  of  the  Early  Eose,  and  it  is  equally  productive. 

In  short,  we  believe  this  variety  combines  in  a  rare  manner  the  good  points  of  its  parents :  and 
to  those  with  whom  the  Peachblows  are  favorites  we  can  recommend  it  with  confidence  as  an 
early  variety  of  the  Peachblows  without  any  of  their  faults.  At  the  recent  International  Potato 
Exhibition  held  in  the  Alexandra  Palace,  London,  in  September,  this  seedling,  in  common  with  a 
few  others  sent  by  us,  received  a  certificate  of  merit.  To  those  whs  prefer  a  red-skin  Potato,  we 
can  confidently  recommend  this  excellent  variety. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  committee  who  selected  the  premiums  offered  by 
us  for  this  variety,  gives  their  opinion  of  its  merits : 

"The  Ruby,  although  not  presenting  as  striking  characteristics  as  the  Alpha,  has  proved  to 
be  a  valuable  introduction.  It  is  declared  to  be  a  'No.  1  Potato  in  every  particular,'  and  seems 
to  be  especially  valued  for  its  remarkable  exemption  from  rot.  Although  there  was  so  much 
rain  in  some  of  the  Western  States,  that  Potatoes  generally  failed  to  grow,  and  those  that  grew 
generally  rotted,  yet  no  rotten  ones  were  found  among  these,  and  their  quality  was  excellent. 
Its  large  yield  and  very  handsome  appearance,  combined  with  excellent  quality,  make  it  a  valua- 
ble market  variety,  where  red-skinned  Potatoes  are  in  demand."  In  Europe  it  has  likewise  suc- 
ceeded exceedingly  well.  Mr.  P.  Robertson  of  Scotland,  says :  "  they  were  pronounced  of  excel- 
lent quality  by  every  person  who  has  tried  them." 

For  further  information  see  the  reports  of  the  successful  growers  in  the  following  pages: 

Per  lb.,  60  cts. ;  2  lbs.  to  one  address,  $1.00,  by  mail,  prepaid.  By  express  or  freight,  charget 
paid  by  the  purchaser,  Ipeck,  $1.00,  )4  bush.,  $1.50,  bush.,  $2.25,  bbl.,  $5.00. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


19 


ALPHA.    (Pringle.) 

The  Earliest   Variety   in    Cultivation.      1,707  lbs.  (38  1-4  bush.)  grown  from  one 

poiind  of  Seed. 

Raised  in  1870,  from  seed  borne  on  Early  Rose  and  impregnated  by  pollen  of  Sebec.  A  very 
early  variety  for  farm  and  garden  culture,  also  for  forcing  under  glass ;  fit  for  the  table  ten  or  fif- 
teen days  before  the  Early  Rose.  Tubers  of  medium  size,  oblong,  somewhat  flattened,  with  eyes 
but  slightly  depressed ;  color  a  clear  white,  with  the  slightest  tinge  of  red  about  the  eyes ;  flesh 
veiy  white,  fine  grained,  dry  and  firm,  and  possessed  of  a  decided  and  excellent  flavor ;  stalks 
short  and  close  jointed,  seldom  exceeding  a  foot  in  bight ;  leaf  broad,  light  green  and  shining 
above;  tubers  clustered  about  the  base  of  the  stalk;  quality  of  the  highest  excellence.  A  first- 
class  certificate  was  awarded  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  of  London,  in  1874.  A  silver 
medal  was  also  awarded  by  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society.  It  has  been  thoroughly 
tested  the  past  season  in  various  sections  of  this  country,  and  has  given  perfect  satisfaction.  We 
can  recommend  this  with  the  greatest  confidence  as  the  very  best  early  variety  in  cultivation. 

( From  the  Report  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  London.) 
Alpha— (B.  K.  Bliss  &  Soxs.)— Haulm  compact,  about  12  inches  long;  ripening  off  very 
early,  stem  pale  green,  leaflets  broad,  flat,  very  pale  green;  tuber  medium  size,  half  round,  flat; 
eyes  large,  skin  smooth,  very  clear,  pale  straw-colored ;  flesh  firm,  white,  of  excellent  quality  for 
early  use.    Moderate  cropper ;  one  of  the  very  earliest  of  potatoes.    First-class  certificate. 

The  committee  who  awarded  the  premiums  offered  by  us  last  Spring,  after  examining  the 
various  communications  received  from  competitors  for  premiums,  report  as  follows: 

"The  Alpha  has  by  many  growers  been  declared  "  much  the  earliest  of  any  seedlings."  It  was 
found  to  be  "  fit  for  use,  in  sixty  daysfrom  the  day  of  planting,"  "  of  excellent  quality  when  cooked 
in  any  way,  and  gaining  steadily  in  quality  and  yield."  In  this  latter  respect  the  Alpha  differs 
from  most  new  seedlings.  But  few  improve  after  the  third  year,  while  many  deteriorate  rapidly. 
The  Alpha,  when  first  brought  to  notice,  was  below  medium  size,  and  so  delicate  that  it  was  thought 
only  suitable  for  garden  culture.  But  gradually  we  found  it  increasing  in  size  and  productiveness, 
while  it  retains  its  earliness  and  excellent  quality.  That  it  will  henceforth  rank  as  the  earliest 
Potato  for  the  field  as  well  as  the  garden,  and  that  it  yields  enormous  crops,  even  under  ordinary 
culture,  has  been  sufiiciently  proved  by  Mr.  Clute's  1,535  pounds,  grown  without  manure  whatever." 
For  further  information  respecting  this  variety,  see  the  reports  of  the  successful  competitors  in 
the  following  piiges. 

Per  lb.,  60  cents;  2  lbs.  to  one  address,  $1.00,  by  mail,  prepaid.  By  express  or  freight, 
charges  paid  by  the  purchaser,  1  peck,  $1.25;  >j  bushel,  |2.00;  1  bushel,  ^3.00;  1  barrel,  $7.00. 


20  B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


THE  SNOWFLAKE.     (Pringle.) 

1,417  lbs.  (33  6-10  bushels,)  grown  from  1  pound  Seed. 

This  new  variety,  first  sent  out  by  us  in  the  Spring  of  1873,  has  been  thoroughly  tested,  both 
in  this  country  and  in  Europe  the  past  two  seasons,  and  we  have  yet  to  learn  of  the  first  instance 
where  it  has  failed  to  give  entire  satisfaction.  The  superior  quality  claimed  by  the  originator, 
when  first  offered,  has  been  confirmed  in  every  case  as  far  as  heard  from. 

It  is  one  of  the  earliest  varieties,  ripening  about  the  same  time  as  the  Early  Rose.  The  tubers  are 
of  a  good  medium  and  uniform  size;  shape  elongated  oval,  compressed,  exceedingly  symmetrical 
and  remarkably  uniform ;  eyes  few,  entirely  fiat  on  the  base  and  body  of  the  tuber,  and  but  slightly 
and  sharply  depressed  near  the  seed  end ;  skin  white  with  a  russety  tinge,  and  somewhat  roughish 
and  tessellated.  Its  flesh  is  of  exceedingly  fine  grain,  snow-white  when  boiled,  and  of  a  light- 
ness and  porosity  almost  approaching  a  snowflake.  In  quality,  we  do  not  hesitate  to  say 
nothing  can  surpass  this  new  variety ;  its  mealiness,  its  pure,  delicate  flavor,  and  the  evenness 
with  which  it  cooks  through,  have  never  been  eclipsed  by  any  Potato.  As  a  baking  Potato,  it  is 
equally  valuable,  and  as  such  is  distinguished  for  its  pure  starchy  texture,  and  delicate  nutty 
flavor.  The  tubers  have  attained  the  full  development  of  their  quality  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  to 
dig,  and  do  not  lose  it  during  Winter ;  samples  kept  till  the  first  of  June,  did  not  show  the  least 
deterioration.  The  vines  are  of  medium  hight,  stout  and  vigorous;  leaves  medium,  and  of  dark 
green  color.  The  tubers  are  compactly  clustered  around  the  base  of  the  stalks, — an  important 
consideration  in  digging  the  crop.  The  variety  has  been  tested  on  widely  varying  soils— eand, 
gravel,  loam,  as  well  as  heavy  clay— and  has,  in  every  case,  given  the  same  favorable  results,  and 
often  produced  a  yield  of  from  300  to  400  bushels  per  acre.  In  every  case  it  has  proved  healthy 
and  hardy,  while  other  varieties  alongside  of  it  failed  to  give  satisfactory  results. 

We  could  fill  quite  a  volume  with  the  many  letters  of  commendation  that  have  been  received 
from  various  growers  throughout  the  country  in  favor  of  this  fine  variety,  but  for  want  of  room 
we  publish  those  only  which  have  been  received  from  the  successful  competitors  for  the  prizes 
offered  by  us  last  Spring.  These  will  be  found  in  the  repart  of  the  Committee  in  the  last  pages 
of  this  Catalogue. 

We  take  pleasure  in  submitting  the  following  extract  of  that  report  to  our  friends,  which 
cannot  but  satisfy  the  most  incredulous  of  its  superiority. 

"Tbe  Snowflake  has  received  more  and  higher  praise  than  has  probably  ever  been  be- 
stowed upon  any  Potato.  There  is  no  dissenting  voice  among  the  whole  list  of  reports,  nearly  every 
one  of  which  contains  '  It  is  the  best  Potato  I  ever  saic'  Its  quality  and  uniformity  of  size  are 
especially  commended.  In  many  cases,  25  to  40  perfect  Potatoes  were  found  in  every  hill 
planted,  and  '  tubers  of  two  and  three  pounds  each  cooked  readily  and  completely  through.'  Mr. 
Perkins  could  select  1000  tubers  weighing  1000  pounds  from  a  gross  product  of  1304  pounds,  and 
finds  them  preferable  to  any  Potato  out  of  over  a  hundred  varieties  he  grew.  Mr.  Salter  '  never 
saw  so  fine  a  Potato ;  beautiful  in  color  and  shape,  firm  in  texture,  flesh  white ;  luscious  cooked 
in  any  way;  it  stands  unrivalled.'  There  is  certainly  within  our  knowledge  no  variety  which 
combines  all  the  essential  points  of  a  Potato  in  as  high  a  degree  as  the  Snowflake.  Quality, 
shape,  size,  color,  yield,  are  all  that  can  be  desired,  and  it  is  difficult  to  perceive  in  what  direc- 
tion further  improvement  can  be  obtained." 

By  mail  postpaid,  per  pound,  60  cents ;  two  pounds,  $1.00.  By  express  or  freight,  charges  paid 
by  the  purchaser,  1  peck,  $1.00;  3^  bushel,  $1.50;  1  bushel,  $2.25;  1  barrel,  $5.00. 

(From  the  Report  of  Messrs.  Carter's  Royal  Metropolitan  Root  Shoiv,  in  Bell's  Weekly  Messenger, 

JSIov.  20  1876.) 
A  dish  of  Snowflake  Potatoes,  sent  by  Mr.  Penny,  head  gardener  to  his  Eoyal  Highness  the 
Prince  of  Wales,  cannot  be  adequately  described  in  words ;  but  we  may  advise  any  professional 
or  amateur  grower  to  secure  a  supply  of  this  stock  for  trial  next  year,  that  they  may  put  it  to  a 
practical  test  under  their  own  eye. 

(From  the  London  Gardeners'  Chronicle  of  Jan.  16,  1875.) 
"  It  is  not  many  years  ago,  since  our  American  cousins  introduced  us  to  the  first  of  their  won- 
derful '  Taters,'  and  just  see  what  a  revolution  they  have  caused!  On  the  exhibition  tables,  fre- 
quently no  other  than  American  varieties  are  to  be  found— they  are  unmistakably  great  croppers 
and  of  flne,  taking  appearance.  We  cannot  say  in  points  of  quality  they  are  alvvnys  so  superior, 
yet,  we  can  say,  from  personal  experience,  that  some  of  the  best  potatoes  we  tasted  during  tlie 
past  season  were  of  the  American  sorts.  Of  this  year's  introduction,  we  would  first  especially 
note  Snowflake.  The  tubers  of  this  sort  are  of  a  long  ovate  form,  the  eyes  very  full,  skin  rough, 
pale  straw,  the  most  handsomely  formed  of  all,  and  of  excellent  quality. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Mr.  Biirnett'9  Crop  of  Snowflakes  from  One  Pound  of  Seed. 

SkANEATELBS,  N.  Y.,  September  27,  1875. 
Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons  :— Accompanying  this  please  find  Stereoscopic  view  of  tlie  Snow- 
flake  Potato  as  grown  in  my  garden  tlie  past  Summer.  It  exhibits  the  product  of  one  pound  of 
seed  purchased  of  you  last  Spring.  The  earth  was  carefully  removed,  leaving  each  potato 
attached  to  the  root  exactly  as  it  grew.  They  were  grown  in  good  garden  soil,  without  extra 
manure,  and  had  the  same  cultivation  as  the  other  potatoes.  No  one  could  have  been  more  sur- 
prised than  I  at  the  wonderful  production.  I  had  them  on  exhibition  all  one  day,  and  a  large 
number  of  farmers  and  amateur  gardeners  called  to  see  them.  "For  size  and  quantity  all  admitted 
they  had  never  seen  its  equal.  At  the  nearest  end  of  the  row,  as  shown  in  the  picture,  the  yield 
was  affected  by  a  shade  tree,  but  at  the  other  end  they  were  very  large  and  ia  one  solid  mass— in 
fact,  there  was  no  room  for  a  jack-knife  between  them.  It  makes  quite  a  pretty  picture,  with 
rose  bushes,  geraniums  and  tuberoses  on  the  left  and  my  boy  "  Frank  "  and  the  grapevines  for  a 
background.  I  have  created  no  little  excitement  by  exhibiting  the  Snowflakes  at  our  Town  Fair. 
Yours  respectfully,  JOSEPH  H.  BURNETT. 

A  Trial  of  tlie  Snowflake  in  June. 

In  order  to  show  the  wonderful  keeping  properties  of  the  Snowflake  Potato,  we  annex  a  letter 

from  the  well-known  horticulturist,  Chas.  Downing,  Esq.,  to  whom  a  sample  grown  in  1874,  was 

sent  in  June  for  trial. 

Newbuegh,  June  28,  '75. 

Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons— Dear  Sirs :  The  box  of  potatoes  was  received  in  due  time. 
The  quality  is  equal  and  I  think  superior  to  any  potato  I  ever  ate  so  late  in  the  season,  and  being 
of  good  size  and  so  smooth  and  regular  in  form,  it  will  be  an  acquisition  if  the  production  is  suf- 
ficiently good. 
Please  accept  my  best  thanks  for  your  kindness,  and  for  the  opportunity  to  test  them. 

Very  respectfully,  CHAS.  DOWNING, 

From  Nash  &  Crook,  proprietors  of  the  well-known  and  popular  restaurant  in  the  Times 

building,  opposite  the  new  post-office  on  Park  Kow : 

New  York,  July  1, 1875. 

Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons:— We  have  been  using  the  Snowflake  potatoes,  supplied  by  you 
in  our  restaurant  for  the  past  month,  and  find  them  superior  in  every  respect  to  the  Bermuda  or 
any  other  early  variety  in  the  market.  They  cook  dry  and  mealy,  and  are  of  excellent  quality; 
and  on  account  of  the  eyes  being  so  nearly  even  with  the  surface,  there  is  but  little  or  no  waste 
in  peeling.  They  give  general  satisfaction  to  our  customers.  We  have  no  hesitation  in  pro- 
nouncing them  the  best  potato  we  ever  used  in  our  business  at  this  time  of  the  year. 

NASH  &  CROOK. 


»3 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


SNOWFLAKE.— Showing  Habit  of  growth  in  Hill. 


,\ 


SNOWFLAKE.    (Pringle.)    Page  20. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


BROWNELL'S  BEAUTY.    (Brownell.) 

This  is  another  of  the  varieties  first  sent  out  by  us  in  the  Spring  of  1873,  the  beauty  and  supe- 
rior keeping  qualities  of  which,  together  with  its  fine  quality  as  a  table  variety  and  productive- 
ness, places  it  in  the  front  rank  of  those  recommended  for  general  cultivation.  We  know  of  no 
varieties  whose  good  qualities  can  be  retained  for  the  entire  year,  as  this  has  done.  Potatoes  of 
the  crops  of  1873  and  1874  have  been  exhibited  side  by  side  at  several  State  and  County  exhibi- 
tions, those  of  1873  having  been  kept  in  an  ordinary  cellar  without  any  especial  care,  being 
equally  fair  and  sound  as  those  of  this  year's  growth.  Samples  were  sent  in  1873  to  the  gar- 
dens of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  London,  where  they  received  a.  first-class  certificate, 
and  have  also  received  many  premiums  at  various  Agricultural  Fairs  in  this  country.  Size,  me- 
dium to  large,  growing  very  fair  and  smooth.  Eyes  few  and  small,  nearly  even  with  the  surface ; 
shape  oval,  somewhat  flattened ;  skin  reddish,  or  a  deep  flesh  color ;  flesh  white,  fine-grained  and 
very  delicate.  For  the  table,  they  cook  either  by  baking  or  boiling  equal  to  the  very  best,  and 
with  ordinary  boiling  they  cook  through  to  the  center  evenly,  dry  and  mealy,  and  are  never  hard, 
hollow,  watery,  or  discolored  at  the  center ;  flavor  unexceptionable.  Vine  of  medium  growth ; 
foliage  deep  green,  and  very  healthy  in  all  respects.  The  tubers  grow  compactly  in  the  hill  and 
are  easily  dug,  ripening  in  about  three  months  from  time  of  planting,  though  suitable  for  cooking 
about  two  we ejfs  later  than  the  Early  Rose,  with  the  same  culture.  They  are  very  productive, 
with  but  few  small  tubers.  Its  beautiful  appearance,  fine  quality,  extraordinary  productiveness 
and  remarkable  keeping  qualities  render  it  a  most  valuable  variety  for  the  market. 

To  show  the  wonderful  productiveness  of  this  favorite  variety — are  among  the  following 
from  the  successful  competitors  for  the  first  prize  offered  by  us  in  1874. 

[From  H.  C.  Pearson,  Pitcairn,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  F.] 
I  hereby  certify  that  I  ordered  of  you,  March  25,  1874,  1  lb.  of  Brownell's  Beauty  Potatoes ; 
planted  them  May  16,  and  dug  them  September  28,  and  from  the  1  lb.  planted,  I  raised  ten  hun- 
dred eighteen  pounds,  (1018  lbs.)  The  soil  was  light  loam,  with  some  gravel,  with  a  sand  and 
gravel  subsoil,  not  underdrained  but  having  good  natural  drainage.  The  land  is  new,  having 
produced  only  one  crop  before.  Applied  broadcast  a  two-horse  load  of  barnyard  manure  three 
years  old,  plowing  it  under  7  inches  deep ;  then  went  over  the  ground  3  times  with  a  pulverizing 
harrow.  Placed  in  each  hill  before  planting,  2  quarts  of  a  compost,  composed  of  10  bushels  de- 
cayed manure,  2  bushels  of  ashes,  4  quarts  salt,  and  2  lbs.  sulphur.  Cut  the  tubers  to  single 
eyes,  dividing  some  of  the  stronger  into  3  pieces,  making  in  all  112  pieces,  and  planted  them  in 
rows  Zyi  feet  apart  and  3  feet  apart  in  the  rows,  planting  one  set  in  each  hill  and  covering  them 
about  3  inches  deep.  They  grew  to  an  enormous  size,  491  selected  tubers  weighing  500  lbs.,  and 
.37  fair  sized  tubers  weighing  15  lbs.,  were  dug  from  one  hill.  They  are  the  most  beautiful  potato 
I  ever  saw.  Have  tested  their  quality  by  cooking  them  in  various  ways  and  find  them  dry  and 
mealy,  fine-grained,  and  of  a  flavor  not  surpassed  by  any  potato  I  have  ever  tried.  They  matured 
about  September  18.  (Signed,)  H.  C.  PEARSON. 

PRICE  :— One  pound,  60  cents;  two  pounds,  $1.00,  by  mail  to  one  address,  postpaid.  By 
express  or  freight,  charges  to  be  paid  by  the  purchaser,  1  peck,  gl.OO:  >^  bushel,  $1.25;  1  bushel, 
$2.25 ;  1  barrel,  $5.00. 


a.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


EXTRA  EARLY  VERMONT. 

The  superior  merits  of  fhis  variety,  first  sent  out  by  us  in  the  Spring  of  1872,  may  now  be  con- 
sidered as  fully  established.  It  has  been  largely  cultivated  over  every  section  of  the  country,  the 
past  two  seasons,  and  fully  sustains  the  high  character  given  it  by  the  committee  for  awarding 
the  premium  offered  by  us  in  1873,  in  the  following  statement,  after  exainining  the  reports  of 
the  various  competitors : 

"  The  Early  "Vermont,  as  proved  by  the  numerous  reports  before  us,  more  than  sustained 
its  previous  reputation.  Nearly  all  the  competitors  declare  it  from  one  to  two  weeks  earlier  than 
the  Early  Hose,  and  many  even  more.  Its  uniform  and  large  size  is  recognized  by  every  one.  Mr. 
McLeod  says :  '  There  are  more  than  100  in  the  amount  I  raised  that  would  weigh  from  one  to 
two  pounds  each;*  and  Mr.  Salter  raised  one  tuber  that  weighed  three  poukds  twelve 
OUNCES.  Its  superior  cooking  and  eating  qualities  are  unanimously  commended,  as  well  as  its 
compact  growth  in  the  hill  and  its  freedom  from  disease,  and  with  the  thousands  of  cultivators 
who  have  grown  it  alongside  the  Early  Rose,  there  seems  to  be  no  doubt  left  that  in  quality, 
hardiness,  earliness  and  yield,  it  far  surpasses  that  celebrated  variety." 

A  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  this  variety  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Lon- 
don, 1873.  ^ 

Caution.— In  consequence  of  the  great  similarity  between  the  Extra  Early  Vermont  and 
the  Early  Rose,  many  of  the  latter  will  doubtless  be  offered  by  unprincipled  persons  as  the 
Early  Vermont.  To  avoid  imposition,  we  caution  purchasers  to  beware  of  itinerant  peddlers, 
and  purchase  their  stock  of  reliable  parties  only.  We  employ  no  peddlers  or  agents.  Address  all 
orders  directly  to  our  house. 

PRICE  :— By  mail,  postpaid,  one  pound,  60  cents;  two  pounds,  $1.00.  By  express  or 
freight,  charges  paid  by  purchaser,  1  peck,  $0.75;  K  bushel,  $1.25;  1  bushel,  $2.00;  1  barrel,  $4.00. 


Tomato  "  Little  Gem"  (tHe  earliest  variety  known). 

This  new  variety  was  raised  by  Mr.  Pringle,  the  originator  of  the  Conqueror  Tomato,  hereto- 
fore considered  the  earliest  in  cultivation,  and  is  a  combined  hybrid  or  cross  of  that  populai 
variety  with  two  other  unnamed  early  varieties  of  fine  quality.  The  vines  are  of  medium 
length,  compact  growth,  and  excessively  loaded  with  bright  red  fruit  of  medium  size,  round  and 
of  uniform  shape,  varying  from  four  to  six  inches  in  circumference,  of  superior  quality  flavor, 
either  raw  or  cooked.  Its  bright  glossy  red  color,  uniform  size,  shape,  and  otherwise  beautiful 
appearance,  make  a  dish  of  Little  Gems  almost  as  tempting  as  a  plate  of  Strawberries.  It  may 
be  relied  upon  to  yield  several  pickings,  a  week  or  ten  days  earlier  than  any  other  variety.  15  cts, 
per  packet  ;halfoz.  packets,  75  cts. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


S5 


POTATOES— EXTRA  EABIiY  VERMONT.— Sliowing  Habit  of  growth  in  the  Hill. 


BROWNEIiL'S   BEAUTY.— Showing  Sabit  of  growth  in  the  HUl.     Page  33, 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS"  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


»  SElUR  FJ.C  , 


Compton's  Siirprise  Potatoes. 


Showing  the  growth  from  a  single  eye  in  the  grounds  of  F.  Seiler,  Verona,  New 
Jersey,  who  raised  384  lbs.  from  one  lb.  of  the  tubers,  with  ordinary  culture. 

Eemarkable  for  its  size,  quality  and  productiveness.  Its  shape  is  oval-oblong,  eyes  sunken, 
brow  prominent,  skin  smooth,  color  reddish-purple,  flesh  white ;  grows  to  a  large  size,  and  is 
invariably  sound  to  the  center.  It  retains  its  quality  jJerfectly  throughout  the  year,  appearing  on 
the  table  like  a  ball  of  flour.  Remaining  plump  and  free  from  sprouts  when  kept  until  June 
and  never  having  that  wilted  appearance  common  to  early  sorts.  Thousands  have  testified  that 
they  never  ate  a  better  Potato.  Its  uniform  meaUness  of  grain,  combined  with  the  purest  flavor 
and  its  snowy  whiteness  of  flesh,  which  is  not  in  the  least  affected  by  its  blue  skin,  cannot  fail 
to  make  it  highly  valuable. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Committee  awarding  the  premiums  offered  in  1873, 
confirms  all  that  was  claimed  for  them  by  the  originator  when  first  introduced. 

"  Compton's  Surprise  has  received  the  unanimous  verdict  for  the  most  prolific  Potato  culti- 
vated at  present.  Yields  of  from  twelve  to  twenty  pounds  to  the  hill  are  reported  by  the  hun- 
dreds, and  in  one  instance  28 >^  pounds  were  dug  from  one  hill.  As  a  rule,  the  most  prolific  va- 
rieties are  not  of  the  best  eating  quality,  but  to  this,  Compton's  Surprise  is  an  exception.  Thou- 
sands have  testified  that  they  never  ate  a  better  Potato.  Its  uniform  mealiness  of  grain,  combined 
with  the  purest  flavor,  and  its  snowy  whiteness  of  flesh,  which  is  not  in  the  least  aftected  by  its 
blue  skin,  cannot  fail  to  make  it  highly  valtiable. 

One  pound,  60  cents;  3  pounds,  $1.25  by  mail,  prepaid;  by  express  or  freight,  charges  paid 
by  the  purchaser,  1  peck,  $0.75;  }i  bushel,  $1.25;  1  bushel,  $2.00;  1  barrel,  $4.00. 


Early  Paragon. 


A  new  early  variety  introduced  last  season,  and  said  to  be  a  few  days  earlier  than  the  Early 
Rose.  The  vines  are  of  dwarf  habit,  shape  oblong,  eyes  very  shallow,  skin  smooth  and  general 
appearance  very  attractive ;  productive  and  of  good  quality. 

By  mall,  prepaid,  one  pound,  60  cents;  3  pounds,  $1.25 ;  by  express  or  freight,  charges  paid  by 
the  purchaser,  1  peck,  $1.00;  1  bushel,  $2.25;  1  barrel,  $5.00. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE.  87 

General   Collection. 

Two  pounds  of  either  of  the  following  varieties  will  be  mailed,  post-paid,  to  any  address  in 
the  United  States,  upon  receipt  of  $1.00,  or  one  pound  for  60  cents. 

Not  less  than  one  pound,  or  more  than,  one  variety  in  one  package,  will  be  mailed. 

Early  Kose.— This  was  the  tirst  of  Mr.  Bresee's  Seedlings,  offered  by  us  in  January,  1868, 
and  has  now  become  the  standard  variety  for  earliness,  quality  and  productiveness.  Per  peck, 
15  cents;  bush.,  $2.00;  66?.,  $4.00. 

Bresee's  Prolific. — Vines  of  medium  hight,  quite  bushy,  somewhat  spreading.  Tubers 
large,  regular  in  shape,  and  very  smooth,  slightly  oblong,  somewhat  flattened.  Skin  dull  white, 
inclined  to  be  russeted,  eyes  but  little  depressed  and  slighly  pinkish,  flesh  white,  cooks  quickly, 
is  very  mealy  and  of  excellent  quality,  yield  very  large,  matures  about  three  weeks  later  than  the 
Early  Rose;  a  valuable  variety  for  fleld  culture.    Per  peck,  $1.00;  bush.,  $2.25;  bbl.,  $5.00. 

Brownell's  Eureka.— This  seedling  resulted  from  a  seed-ball  grown  on  an  Excelsior  potato 
vine,  blossoms  fertilized  with  pollen  from  the  White  Peachblow.  Vines  of  strong  and  vigorous 
growth ;  tubers  of  good  medium  and  uniform  size ;  shape  elongated  oval,  somewhat  flattened ; 
eyes  few,  skin  white  and  fair,  season  second  early.  It  is  one  of  the  most  productive  in  cultiva- 
tion, besides  being  an  excellent  keeper ;  its  flesh  is  exceedingly  fine  grained,  white,  and  when 
boiled  or  baked,  mealy  and  of  excellent  flavor,  cooking  through  uniformly  without  fault  at 
center.  A  silver  medal  was  awarded  this  variety  by  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  in 
1874. 

Climax. — Early;  uniformly  large;  long,  cylindrical;  skin  white;  eyes  sharp,  shallow;  flesh 
white  and  solid.  This  has  been  the  most  prolific  early  variety  during  the  past  season,  and  has 
proved  hardy  and  healthy.     Per  peck,  $1.00;  bush.,  $2.50;  bbl.,  $6.00. 

Liate  Kose.— This  variety,  first  offered  by  us  in  the  Fall  of  1871,  has  been  largely  cultivated 
in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  has  given  universal  satisfaction.  It  ripens  two  or  three 
weeks  later  than  the  Early  Kose,  and  has  proved  to  be  much  more  productive,  hardier,  healthier, 
and  a  better  keeper,  retaining  its  good  quality  till  new  potatoes  come  in.  Per  peck,  75  cents ; 
bush.,  $2.00;  bbl.,  $4.00. 

Peerless  (Bresee's  No.  6.)— Skin  dull  white,  occasionally  russeted ;  eyes  shallow ;  oblong, 
flesh  white,  mealy,  grows  to  a  large  size,  often  weighing  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  pounds,  and 
enormously  productive,  frequently  producing  from  100  to  150  barrels  to  the  acre.  Its  great 
beauty,  superior  quality,  aind  enormous  productiveness,  place  it  among  the  best  varieties  for  gen- 
eral culture.    Per  peck,  75  cents  ;  bush.,  $2.00;  bbl..  $4.00. 

Iiapstone  Kidney.— Of  English  origin.  Medium  early;  very  long,  kidney-shaped;  skin 
very  smooth  and  white;  eyes  small  and  entirely  flat;  flesh  white,  finely  grained,  sound  and  solid, 
and  is  not  excelled  in  its  qualities  for  baking  or  salad.  Per  peck,  75  cents;  bush.,  $2.00;  bbl., 
$5.00. 

Jackson  "White. — A  northern  variety.  Medium  late ;  large ;  irregular,  round  to  longish ; 
skin  white  and  smooth ;  eyes  deep ;  flesh  white,  finely  grained,  and  of  good  table  quality ;  is  a 
good  keeper,  and  very  productive  in  some  localities.  Per  peck,  75  cents;  bush.,  $2.00;  bbl., 
$4.00. 

"White  Peachblow.— A  seedling  of  the  old  Peachblow.  Very  late;  medium  to  large; 
round ;  skin  white,  with  bright  pink  eyes ;  flesh  white,  cooks  very  dry  and  mealy.  This  variety 
has  for  years  been  the  principal  market  potato  in  New  York,  and  has  proved  a  remunerative 
crop  to  the  producers.    Per  peck,  75  cents ;  bttsh.,  $2.00;  66L,  $4.00. 

Peachblow  (Jersey).— A  well-known  variety,  very  productive,  superior  for  the  table,  and 
one  of  the  best  for  the  market  and  shipping  purposes.  Per  peck,  75  cents;  bush.,  $2.00;  bbl., 
$4.00. 

Any  other  varieties  not  in  our  list  will  be  furnished  at  lowest  market  prices. 


A  NEW  EARI.T  TOMATO— ACME. 

This  new  and  beautiful  variety  far  exceeds  anything  ever  before  introduced  among  the  many 
varieties  of  this  valuable  esculent.  It  has  been  carefully  tested  the  past  season,  in  many  locali- 
ties, and  all  agree  that  it  is  not  only  one  of  the  earliest,  but  the  handsomest  variety  ever  intro- 
duced. It  seems  to  possess  all  the  good  qualities  that  can  be  desired  in  a  Tomato,  and  will  event- 
ually supersede  many  others  now  in  the  field.  The  plants  are  of  a  strong  and  vigorous  growth, 
very  productive ;  fruit  of  medium  size,  large  enough  for  any  use,  form  perfect,  round,  slightly 
depressed  at  the  ends,  very  smooth ;  color  a  glossy  dark  red  with  a  sort  of  purplish  tinge ;  ripens 
all  over  and  through  at  the  same  time;  bears  continuously  until  frost;  delicious  in  flavor,  has  no 
green  core  and  but  few  seeds ;  unequaled  for  canning,  preserving,  or  as  salad ;  a  splendid  market 
variety,  and  well  adapted  for  culture  in  the  Southern  States,  for  shipping  to  the  North  in  the 
early  part  of  the  season.    Price,  15  cts.  per  packet  of  about  100  seeds ;  }i  oz.  packets,  75  cts.  each. 


38 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


THE  GREAT  CENTENINIAL  EXHIBIT 

OF 

500  Named  Varieties  of  Potatoes. 

The  Liargest  Collection  of  Potatoes  in  the  "World,  for  which  was  Awarded 
THE  GKAND  CENTENNIAL  PEIZE  MEDAL,  AND  DIPLOMA! 


Acme. 

Adirondack. 

Advance. 

Agawam. 

Akron. 

Alaska  Blue. 

Albion. 

Alexandra. 

Alpha. 

Amazon. 

American  Breadfruit. 

Anderson. 

Andes. 

Angola. 

Armonk. 

Armstrong. 

Ash]  eaf  Fluke. 

Ashleaf  Kidney. 

Ashtop  Fluke. 

Badger. 

Baldwin. 

Baltimore. 

Banks. 

Barron's  Perfection. 

Beauty. 

Bellaire. 

Ben.  Merritt. 

Berkshire. 

Black  Diamond. 

Black  Kidney. 

Black  Mercer, 

Black  Prince. 

Blanchard.  ^ 

Blanche. 

Blue  Kidney. 

Blue  Pinkeye. 

Blue  Western. 

Blush. 

Bolton. 

Bountiful  Kidney. 

Bradford. 

Bradford  Seedling. 

Breakfast. 

Bresee's  Prolific. 

British  Queen. 

Brownell's  Beauty. 

Brownell's  Nonesuch. 

Brownell's  Success. 

Brownell's  Superior. 

Buckeye. 

Bucyrus. 


Bulkeley's  Prince  of  "Wales. 

Bulkeley's  Seedling. 

Busam's  Early. 

Busam's  Late  Prime. 

Byram. 

Calico. 

California. 

California  (purple). 

California  Mercer. 

Callao. 

Campbell's  Late  Eose. 

Carmel. 

Carpenter. 

Carter. 

Carter's  Early  Forcing. 

Cascoe. 

Cayuga. 

Central  City. 

Champion  of  England. 

Chase. 

Checker. 

Chenango. 

Chenery. 

Cherry  Blow. 

Chester. 

Chili  No.  II. 

Circassian  Kidney. 

Climax. 

Cluster. 

Coldstream. 

Colebrook. 

Collum's  Seedling. 

Columbus. 

Colorado. 

Colorado  I. 

Colorado  II. 

Compton. 

Compton's  Surprise. 

Con. 

Concord. 

Conn.  Blue. 

Conover. 

Coppermine. 

Cornell's  Kid. 

Cornish. 

Cowhorn. 

Cullock. 

Cuzco. 

Dagger, 

Dana's  Seedling. 

Davenport  Seedling. 


Davis'  Seedling, 

Delmahoy. 

Dickinson's  Saybrook. 

Dover. 

Dover  Seedling. 

Dr.  Bretonneau, 

Duke  of  Cumberland. 

Dutch  Pinkeye. 

Dykeman. 

Dyright. 

Early  Blue, 

"     Cottage. 

"     Dexter. 

"     Dimmick. 

"     Don. 

"     Durham. 

"     Golden. 

"     Goodrich. 

"     Handsworth, 

"     Henry. 

"     Indiana. 

"     June. 

"     Kidney. 

"     Lilac. 

"     Manly. 

"     Minnesota. 

"     Mohawk. 

"     Ohio. 

"     Oneida. 

"     Paragon. 

"     Peachblow. 

"     Pearson. 

"     Pinkeye, 

"     Prince. 

"     Purple. 

"     Queen. 

"     Kacehorse. 

"     Rose. 

"     Russet. 

"      Samaritan. 

"     Scotch  Cottage. 

"      Shaw. 

"     Snowball. 

"     Sovereign. 

"     Stevens. 

"      "Victor. 

"     Violet. 

"     "Wendell. 

"      "White. 

"     York. 
Eastport. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


29 


East  Branch. 

Eclipse. 

Economist. 

Egg. 

Elder. 

Empire. 

Empire  State. 

English  Kidney. 

Eureka. 

Excelsior.   ■ 

Extra  Early  Rose. 

"        "      Rose  Seedling. 

"        "      Seedling. 

"         "      Vermont. 

"         "      White. 

"     Large  Seedling. 

"     Peerless. 
Fancy  Red. 

Farmer's  Delight  (red). 
Farmer's  Delight  (white). 
Favorite. 

Fenn's  Early  Market. 
Penn's  Early  White. 
Fenn's  Perfection. 
Ferris'  Seedling. 
Fersey  White. 
Field  Crop. 
Findlay. 
Fisher. 
Fluke. 
Forest  Rose. 
Forfarshire  Red. 
Fortune. 

Foster's  Late  Rose. 
.  Fox  Seedling. 
Frankfort. 
Freeman. 
Fremont. 
French. 
Galva. 
Gardner. 
Garnet  Chili. 
Gem. 

Gen.  Grant. 
Genesee  Co.  King. 
German  Russet. 
Giant. 
Gilman. 
Globe. 

Golden  Gem. 
Golden's  Seedling. 
Goodrich  Seedling. 
Granite  State. 
Gray  Nonesuch. 
Gray  Russet. 
Great  Britain. 
Great  Western. 
Greenfield. 
Guernsey. 
Hall. 

Hamburg. 
Harison. 


Heins. 

Hemlock. 

Hickory. 

Hinman. 

Holly  Hock 

Holmes. 

Hoosier. 

Hugh. 

Huntington  Seedling. 

H.  Ward. 

Ice  Cream. 

Improved  Ashleaf  Kidney. 

Improved  Gem. 

Improved  Shaw. 

lona  Red. 

Irish  American. 

"    Blue. 

"    Cup. 

"    Cup  White 

"    Orange. 
J.  Quinby. 
Jackson  Seedling.  . 
Jackson  White. 
Jenny  Lind. 
Jersey  White. 
John  Bright. 
Jones'  Seedling. 
Jug. 

Kalamazoo. 
Kansas. 
Kearsarge. 
Kennyon. 

Ketchum's  Seedling. 
Keystone  State. 
Kid. 

King  of  Jacksons. 
King  of  Potatoes. 
King  of  Sweden. 
King  of  the  Earlies. 
King's  Seedling. 
Kinney. 
Kruger. 
Lackawanna. 
Lady  Finger. 
Laing's  Seedling. 
Land's  Prolific. 
Lapstone  Kidney. 
Late  Pinkeye. 
Late  Rose. 
Leathercoat. 
Ledding's  Seedling. 
Lincoln  Red. 
London  White. 
Long  Island. 
Long  Pond. 
Mahopac  Seedling. 
Maiden's  Blush. 
Maine  Mercer. 
Manatan. 

Marchioness  of  Lome. 
Marjolin  Letard. 
Massachusetts  White. 


Massasoit. 

Mercer. 

Mercer  Seedling. 

Merino. 

Mexican. 

Michigan  Red. 

Miller. 

Miller's  Seedling. 

Minnesota  See'iling. 

Missouri  White. 

Model. 

Monas  Pride. 

Monitor. 

Monon. 

Motley. 

Mountain  Blue. 

Mount  June  Pinkeye. 

Multiplier. 

Multiply. 

Myatt's  Prolific  Ashleaf. 

Nansemond. 

Nanuet. 

Napoleon. 

New  Hampshire  Seedling. 

New  Hartford. 

New  Kidney. 

New  Nutmeg. 

New  Peachblow. 

Noblow. 

Nonesuch. 

North  Castle. 

Nova  Scotia. 

Noyes. 

Niggerhead. 

Niggertoe. 

Nutmeg. 

Ohio. 

Ohio  Beauty. 

"    Chenango. 

"    Mercer. 

"    Red. 

"    Russet. 

"    Victor. 
Old  Fleshcolored. 
"    Kidney. 
"    Red. 
"    White. 
Oneida. 
Orange  Peel. 
Orono. 
Oscar. 

Pale-Blush  Pinkeye. 
Palmer. 
Palmyra. 
Para. 

Paterson's  Albert. 
"  Blue. 

"  Early  White. 

"  Golden  Don. 

"  Queen. 

"  Regent. 

Patoka. 


30 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Peachblossom. 
Peerless. 

Penn.  Seaichwarrant. 
Philadelphia. 
Philbrick's  Early  White. 
Pierpont. 
Pigeon  Eye. 
Pink  Blow. 
Pinkeye. 

Pinkeye  Rustycoat. 
Pinkeye  Strawberry. 
Pink  Peachblow. 
Plymouth  Kock. 
Porter's  Excelsior. 
Prairie  Flower. 
Prairie  Seedling. 
President. 
Prince  Albert. 
Prince  Arthur. 
Prince  of  Wales. 
Purple  Kidney. 
"       Mercer. 
"       Peerless. 
Putnam. 

Quarantaine  Violette. 
Quadroon. 

Queen  of  the  Earlies. 
Queen  of  the  Roses. 
Queen  of  the  West. 
Quinby's  Seedling. 
Rand's  New  Peachblow. 
"        Red. 
"        White. 
Raspberry-Leaved. 
Rathboue 
Rattails. 

Rector  of  Woodstock, 
Red  Carter. 

"      Climax. 

"      Emperor, 

"      Fluke. 

"     Gem. 

"      Jacket. 

"     Kidney. 

''     Neshannock. 

"     Orange. 

"     Peachblow. 

"      Streak. 

"      Ulink. 

"     Utica. 

Ridgefield  Seedling. 
Rochester  Seedling. 
Rodes. 
Rogmore  Rose. 


Rose  Bud. 
Rose  of  the  West. 
Rose  Seedling. 
Rough  and  Ready. 
Round  White. 
Roxbury. 

Royal  Ashleaf  Kidney. 
Ruby. 

Russet  Kidney. 
Sandy  Brown. 
Scotch  Blue. 
"        Russet. 
"       White. 
Sebec. 
Sedilla. 
Seedling  Cuzco. 

"        Early  Goodrich. 

"        Mercer. 

"        Peachblow. 

"        Prolific. 

"        Rock. 
Sharon. 
Shaker's  Fancy. 

"        Russet. 
Shaw. 
Sheridan. 
Sherwood. 
Silverskin. 
Six  Weeks. 
Skerry  Blue. 
Smith's  New  Seedling. 
Snapdragon. 
Snowball. 
Snowflake. 
Soisoto. 
South  Bend. 
St.  Helene. 
Starch. 

Stanton's  Premier  Kid. 
State  of  Maine. 
Stevens. 
Stonehouse. 
Strawberry. 

"        Gem. 

"       Mercer. 
Supper. 
Sutton's  Flourball. 

"         One  Hundred  Fold. 
Temple. 
Tippecanoe. 
Titicaca. 
Toledo. 
Topeka. 
Trip's  Garnet. 


True  Lady  Finger. 

Triumph. 

Tuberose. 

Tucker. 

Union. 

Utica  Pinkeye. 

Vanderveer. 

Van  Tassel  Seedling. 

Vermont  Beauty. 

"         Seedling. 
Wampoo. 
Ward  I. 
'■■      II. 
Weeks'  Seedling. 
Western  Chief. 

"        Russet. 
West-Fairview  Seedling. 
West  Windsor. 
Wheeler's  Milky  White. 
Whig. 

Whipple's  Seedling. 
White. 
"        Apple. 
"        Clinton. 
"        Cowhorn. 
"       Eyed  Peachblow. 
"        Lily. 
"        Mountain. 
"        Mountain  Early. 
"        Neshannock, 
"        Peachblow. 
"        Pinkeye. 

Rock. 
"        Rose  (Wainwright.) 
"        Rose  (Young's.) 
"        Russet. 
"        Sprouts. 
"        Ulink. 
"       Utica. 
Willard. 
Williams. 
Wm.  R.  Prince. 
Willow  Tree. 
Wilson, 
Wisconsin  Blue. 

•'  Seedling. 

Wonderful  Red. 
Woodard. 
Worcester. 
York  Seedling. 
Yorkshire  Hero. 
Young. 
Young  America. 


One  Tuber  of  each  variety  of  the  entire  collection,  correctly  labeled,  carefully 
packed,  expressage  or  postage  prepaid,  for  $100. 

Collections  of  250  varieties,  one  tuber  of  each,  for  $50.00 ;  100 
varieties  for  $25.00;  50  varieties,  $15.00;  25  varieties,  $8.00. 


Collection  of  Seedling  Potatoes. 

We  have  on  hand  200  varieties  unnamed  Seedling's  raised  within  the  past 
two  years  from  Pringle's  Hybridized  Potato  Seed,  which  have  been  selected 
from  upwards  of  a  thousand  varieties  for  further  trial.  Among  them  are  many 
that  are  exceedingly  promising  and  well  worthy  of  the  attention  of  Farmers.  They 
will  be  offered  in  collections  as  follows,  and  mailed  postpaid  : 

200  varieties,  1  tuber  each, |25  00 

100        "         1     '<        " 15  00 

50        "         1     "         " 8  75 

25        "         1     "        "    - 5  00 

N.  B.  Orders  for  Potatoes,  received  during  Winter,  will  be  forwarded  in  Spring  as  soon  as  the 
weather  will  permit,  which  is  usually  about  the  first  of  April.  They  can  be  forwarded  earlier,  if 
desired,  at  the  risk  of  the  purchaser. 


B.  K.  BUSS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


31 


POTATOES. 


ENGI.ISH  AND  FRENCH  VAKIETIES. 

The  following  varieties,  the  very  best  cultivated  in  Europe,  were  in  nearly  all  of  winning 
stands  at  the  International  Potato  Exhibition  at  the  Alexandra  Palace,  London,  for  the  past  two 
years,  and  are  highly  recommended  both  for  their  extra  fine  quality  and  productiveness.  One 
pound  of  the  following-named  varieties  will  be  mailed  postpaid  for  75  cents.  They  are  also 
offered  in  collections  of  one  tuber  each,  as  follows : 

Collections  of  5  varieties,  1  tuber  each,  $1.50.  I  Collections  of  20  varieties,  1  tuber  each,  $5.00. 
"  "10        "  1  tuber     "       2.75.  "         "40         "         1  tuber    "         8.00. 


Ashtop  Fluke. 
Barrows'  Perfection. 
Blanchard. 
Bountiful. 
Coldstream. 
Dawes'  Matchless. 
Early  Dimmick. 
Early  Union. 
Excelsior  Kidney. 
Feiin's  White  Kidney. 
Fenn's  Early  White. 
Penn's  Early  Market. 
Fenn's  Perfection. 
Hayes'  Superb  Kidney. 
Headley's  Nonpareil. 


Jersey  Blue. 

King  of  Potatoes. 

Marceau. 

Marchioness  of  Lome. 

Marjolin  Cetard. 

McKinlay's  Lady  Webster. 

Model. 

Myatt's  Prolific  Ashleaf. 

Prince  Arthur. 

Prince  Teck. 

Prince  of  Wales  Kidney. 

Patterson's  Victoria. 

Patterson's  "  The  Queen." 

Porter's  Excelsior. 

President. 


Quarantaine  Violette. 

Kectorof  Woodstock. 

Red  Emperor. 

Red  Fluke. 

Rivers'  Royal  Ashleaf. 

Rogmon  Rose. 

Sedila. 

Scotch  Regent. 

Stanton's  Premier. 

St.  Helena. 

Sutton's  Red  Skin  Flourball. 

Sutton's  Exhibition  Kidney. 

Sutton's  New  Hundredfold  Fluke. 

Wonderful  Red  Kidney. 

Yorkshire  Hero. 


Pringle's  Hybridized  Potato  Seed. 

The  extraordinary  success  which  has  attended  Mr.  Pringle  in  his  attempts  to  improve  this 
valuable  esculent — which  has  resulted  in  the  production  of  the  SnovrflaUe  and  Alpha,  and  last, 
though  not  least,  the  Ruby — has  encouraged  him  to  still  greater  efforts  is  his  favorite  pursuit  of 
hybridization,  and  we  have  now  the  pleasure  of  offering  a  very  choice  strain  of  seed  saved  by 
him,  which  is  the  product  of  numerous  hybridizations  between  the  above  named  and  many  of  the 
best  new  and  old  varieties  in  cultivation,  both  English  and  American,  and  includes  every  strain, 
which  Mr.  Pringle  will  himself  sow  the  coming  Spring.  Full  directions  for  sowing  accompany 
each  packet.  Numerous  testimonials  have  been  received  during  the  past  season  in  favor  of  the 
superior  quality  of  this  seed,  as  well  as  of  its  extraordinary  productiveness,  5  to  22  pounds  of 
good  sized  potatoes  having  been  grown  by  several  parties  from  a  single  seed. 

Directions  for  Cultivation. 

Sow  in  pans  or  shallow  boxes,  of  a  mixture  of  leaf  mold  and  loam,  and  place  under  glass  or  a 
gentle  hot-bed ;  as  the  plants  appear,  they  should  be  partially  shaded  from  the  full  sunlight;  if 
they  begin  to  crowd,  transplant,  giving  them  ample  room ;  when  danger  from  frost  is  over,  set 
them  in  the  open  ground,  giving  them  the  full  space  usually  allowed  to  potatoes.  With  this 
treatment  they  will,  with  good  attention  attain  to  full  size  and  maturity  the  first  year. 

The  following  letters  are  selected  from  a  number  received  from  our  customers,  who  have 
given  this  seed  a  trial,  showing  its  wonderful  productiveness.  Samples  of  the  tubers  were  also 
sent  us,  which  were  marvels  of  beauty,  and  will  be  sure  to  create  a  sensation  when  they  become 
known. 

Chaelotte,  Vt. 
From  Pringle's  Hybridized  Potato  Seed,  purchased  of  you  last  Spring,  I  raised  from  one  seed, 
45  potatoes,   weight   seven  and    one-quarter  pounds;  from   another,  95  potatoes,  twenty-two 
and  one-half  pounds;  from  another,  115  potatoes,  twenty-seven  and  one-half  pounds. 

O.  H.  ALEXANDER. 
PiTCAiEN,  N.  Y.,  September  28, 1876. 
B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons  :— The  packet  of  potato  seeds  I  received  from  you  the  first  of  April  last, 
were  planted  the  9th  day  of  April,  in  boxes,  transplanted  the  13th  day  of  May  in  rich  soil ;  used 
some  bone  dust  in  each  hill ;  the  plants  were  under  glass  most  of  the  time  until  June ;  hoed  them 
often,  and  they  grew  fast;  watered  several  times  in  July  and  August  with  liquid  manure.  The 
packet  contained  29  seeds ;  24  grew,  and  one  was  destroyed  by  worms;  the  lai'gest  product  from  a 
single  hill  was  9  5-16  pounds  of  handsome,  smooth,  red  potatoes. 

Yours  truly,  H.  C.  PEARSON. 

Price  25  cents  per  packet ;  5  packets  sSl.OO. 


3% 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Report  of  Committee 

For  awarding  PREMIUMS  offered  by  B.  K.  BL,ISS  &  SONS  to  growers  of  the 
largest  quantity  of  POTATOISS,  from  One  Pound  of  Seed. 

#-•-• 

After  becoming  fully  satisfied  of  the  superiority  of  the  new  varieties  of  Potatoes,  introduced 
by  us  during  the  past  five  years,  we  have  offered,  from  year  to  year,  premiums  to  those  who 
should  grow  the  laigest  quantity  from  one  pound  of  seed,  of  the  different  varieties  with  ordinary 
farm  culture,  and  have  paid  out  within  that  time  upwards  of  Tliree  Thousand  Dollars  to  the 
successful  competitors.    The  premiums  offered  for  each  variety  were  as  follows: 

$250.00  in  Premmms. 

For  the  largest  quantity  of  Potatoes  grown  from  one  pound  of  seed,  -----   $100  00 

For  the  second  largest,      -----        -----..__       50  nO 

For  the  third  largest,         -------_--..__        40  oo 

For  the  fourth  largest,       -------- 30  00 

For  the  fifth  largest, -- -20  00 

For  the  sixih  largest,        ------.    --------        10  00 

Competitors  for  the  prizes  were  required  to  give  the  date  on  which  they  gave  their  order  for 
the  potatoes,  date  of  planting,  date  of  digging,  with  a  written  statement  of  their  mode  of  cul- 
ture, characteristics  of  the  soil — whether  clay,  alluvial,  sandy  or  loam — nature  of  the  subsoil, 
whether  underdrained  or  not;  also  the  kind  and  quantity  of  fertilizers  used,  how  and  when  ap- 
plied, the  number  of  hills,  and  distance  apart  each  way,  with  the  weight  of  the  crop  when  dug, 
and  the  number  of  square  feet  occupied  by  the  crop,  which  must  be  witnessed  and  sworn  to  be- 
fore a  justice  of  the  peace,  notary,  or  any  other  one  competent  to  administer  the  oath. 

The  awards  were  made  by  a  committee  composed  of  the  following  well-known  gentlemen  in 
the  agricultural  community:  Pbof.  George  Thurbee,  editor  American  Agriculturist,  Dk.  F. 
M.  Hexamer,  and  P.  T.  Quinn,  Horticulturists.  They  were  published  in  the  leading  Agri- 
cultural Papers,  and  a  copy  mailed  to  each  competitor.  The  prizes  were  awarded  the  first  of 
January,  of  each  year. 

N.  B.— To  prevent  misunderstanding,  we  wished  it  distinctly  understood  that  no  prizes  would 
be  awarded  unless  the  above  requirements  were  complied  with  in  every  particular.  Competitors 
for  premiums  were  placed  under  no  restrictions,  as  to  their  mode  of  culture,  excepting  that  they 
must  not  be  grown  from  slips  or  forced  by  artificial  heat, out  object  being  to  ascertain  their  respect- 
ive merits  with  such  culture  as  is  usually  given  to  crops  in  a  well-managed  vegetable  garden  or 
farm. 

REPOET. 

The  number  of  competitors,  who,  tempted  by  these  liberal  prizes,  tried  their  skill  and  indus- 
try in  producing  a  premium  crop,  was  naturally  very  large.  Thousands  of  reports— representing 
every  Potato-producing  State  and  Territory  of  the  United  States,  and  even  many  Foreign  Coun- 
tries— nearly  all  from  practical  farmei's,  and  many  from  men  who  have  made  Potato-growing 
their  life's  work,  and  may  well  be  called  the  Champion  Potato  growers  of  the  world.  The  practi- 
cal information  embodied  in  these  Eeports  must  naturally  be  of  great  value  to  every  tiller  of  the 
soil,  and  at  the  request  of  the  committee  I  have  endeavored  to  condense  the  leading  features  of 
the  modes  and  conditions  under  which  these  immense  crops  were  grown. 

YIEt.D  FROM  ONE  POUND  OF 


^  c   . 

'-'  d 

i.  a 

^'   <D     . 

m.S 

«   . 

c 

0  '-'fe 

>'Z 

>f 

S'SS 

S  >> 

Ml- 

a 

S  S  ^ 

O.S 

S-.  CO 

^  CO 

0 

» 

H 

0 

fP 

m 

H 

< 

fii 

511 

607 

708 

900 

1,018 

1,417 

1,666 

1,707 

1.982 

450 

437 

698 

874 

811 

1,304 

1,403 

1,665 

1,694 

390 

393 

690 

832 

782 

1,125 

1,149 

1,535 

1,576 

386 

380 

074 

811 

749 

1,090 

1.145 

1,511 

1,571 

629 

684 

720 

1,089 

1,087 

1,426 

1,534 

615 

588 

696 

1,069 

1,066 

1,280 

1,353 

B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE.  33 

The  gradual  increase  in  the  yield,  from  year  to  year,  is  at  once  apparent,  and  when  we  con- 
sider that  several  of  the  largest  yields  in  1876,  were  grown  by  the  same  persons  to  whom,  the  high- 
est awards  were  given  at  the  first  trial,  and  when  we  consider  that  this  increase  in  the  yield  is  not 
due  to  the  greater  productiveness  oi  the  newer  varieties,  but  solely  to  the  increasing  skill  of  the 
competitors,  and  the  better  management  given  their  crops,  we  are  forced  to  appreciate  the  great 
amount  of  good  which  these  competitive  trials  have  produced.  I  am  aware  that  the  largest  yield 
from  one  pound  is  not  always  m  proportion  to  the  largest  yield  per  acre ;  nor  do  these  immense 
yields,  produced  by  the  lavish  application  of  manures,  regardless  of  expense,  give  a  criterion  of 
the  profits  of  the  crops,  after  deducting  the  premiums.  Many  growers  who  have  produced  less 
than  one  thousand  pounds  from  one,  may  have  obtained  larger  profits  per  acre,  than  the  suc- 
cessful competitors  yet  no  one  who  has  grown  a  thousand,  or  even  five  hundred  pounds  from  one, 
can  have  done  so  without  learning  something  which  will  be  of  value  to  him  in  growing  Potatoes 
as  a  field  crop,  nor  can  any  one  read  an  intelligent  report  of  his  methods  of  cultivation,  without 
benefit. 

Soil. — Many  of  the  premium  crops  were  grown  on  new  lands,  and  on  soil  of  almost  un- 
equaled  quality.  The  largest  yield  was  produced  on  "  a  mixture  of  sand  and  clay,  very  rich  in 
vegetable  matter  to  the  depth  of  eighteen  feet,  and  underlying  this  is  a  gravelly  subsoil.  For 
three  years  the  ground  was  used  as  a  stock-yard,  the  straw  being  left  on  the  ground  to  rot  and  be 
burned."  The  second  largest  product,  was  grown  "on  a  very  rich,  sandy  loam,  rich  in  decayed 
vegetable  matter  to  the  depth  of  between  two  and  three  feet,  and  lying  upon  a  compact  forma- 
tion known  as  hard-pan,  which  has  never  been  underdrained.''  Another  competitor  describes 
his  soil  as  "  black  loam,  four  feet  deep,  on  the  bank  of  a  creek,  and  it  has  been  used  as  a  cattle- 
yard  for  ten  years."  Another,  "  as  vegetable  mould  and  sandy  loam,  three  feet  deep,  never  cul- 
tivated before."  Most  crops  however,  were  raised  on  deep,  alluvial  lands,  underlaid  with  gravel; 
others  on  light  loam  with  clay  or  gravelly  subsoil,  and  in  a  few  cases  on  heavy  clay  highly  ma- 
nured. In  but  very  few  instances  was  the  land  artificially  underdrained,  which  seems  to  be  a 
noteworthy  fact,  as  most  writers  consider  drained  soil  indispensable  for  the  production  of  good 
crops. 

Manures. — The  large  quantities  of  Fertilizers  used  by  most  competitors  is  something  aston- 
ishing, and  may  well  serve  to  disprove  the  general  behef  that  heavy  manuring  is  injurious  to 
potatoes.  Mr.  Pearson  added  to  an  already  very  rich  soil,  about  60  two-horse  loads  of  manure, 
nearly  200  bushels  of  wood-ashes,  and  24  bushels  of  lime,  per  acre,  together  with  bone-dust  and 
other  fertilizers  in  smaller  quantities.  Mr.  Kose,  after  covering  his  land  three  inches  thick  with 
rotten  barn-yard  manure,  and  three  bushels  of  wood-ashes  per  square  rod,  applied  in  addition,  a 
large  shovelful  of  rotted  hen  manure,  and  two  handfuls  of  ashes  to  each  hill,  besides  several 
surface  dressings  with  other  fertilizers.  But  all  this  must  appear  but  a  small  attempt  at  enrich- 
ing the  land,  to  our  Scotch  friend,  Mr.  Robertson,  who  would  not  entrust  his  seed  to  a  black 
sandy  loam,  four  feet  deep,  underdrained  and  trenched,  to  probably  the  entire  depth,  before 
spading  under  a  coat  of  jive  inches  of  well  rotten  cow-dung,  and  applying  afterwards  to  the  hills 
three  cart-loads  of  wood-ashes,  two  of  sheep  droppings,  and  several  other  fertilizers. 

About  the  value  of  wood  ashes  and  especially  in  mixture  with  hen  manure  and  plaster,  there 
seems  to  be  no  doubt  left;  they  weie  used  by  a  large  majority  and  may  be  considered  the  Special 
Potato  Fertilizer.  Even  when  plied  in  very  large  quantities  they  have  produced  no  injurious 
efEect.  In  a  few  cases,  as  much  as  one  pint  of  ashes  has  been  applied  to  each  hill  as  top-dress- 
ing, and  in  one  instance  the  sets  were  actually  planted  in  and  covered  with  ashes.  Plaster,  lime 
and  salt  have  likewise  been  extensively  used  and  with  great  advantage.  Strong  nitrogenous 
manures  have  generally  been  considered  as  detrimental  to  the  potato,  but  here  we  find  that  many 
successful  growers  have  used  large  quantities  of  Blood,  Fish  and  Peruvian  Guano;  hen  manure 
as  well  as  barn-yard  manure,  at  the  rate  of  fifty  loads  per  acre,  to  the  greatest  advantage  and 
without  producing  diseased  potatoes. 

Planting.— The  time  of  planting  in  nearly  all  cases  was  between  the  10th  and  26th  of  May,  and 
in  the  majority  of  these  before  the  15th.  That  single  eyes  and  eyelets  will,  with  good  care,  produce 
large  crops,  has  been  sufficiently  proved.  All  the  large  yields  were  grown  from  very  small  sets. 
In  some  cases,  single  eyes  were  divided  into  ten  pieces,  and  in  one  instance  two  hundred  and 
ninety  (290)  sets  were  made  from  one  pound,  nearly  all  of  which  grew  well.  The  sets,  with  few 
exceptions,  were  planted  singly,  yet  we  find  a  product  of  nine  hundred  and  seventy  (970)  pounds 
raised  from  fifty-two  (52)  hills,  two  sets  to  each,  nearly  nineteen  (19)  pounds  per  hill,  and  six 
hundred  and  seventy-seven  (677)  bushels  per  acre.  Whether  this  large  yield  is  due  only  to  the 
very  favorable  soil  they  grew  in — a  rich  black  loam,  formerly  used  as  a  hog  yard — and  the  im- 
mense quantities  of  ashes  applied  in  the  hills  and  as  top-dressing— one  peck  to  the  hill— or  to  the 
two-set  system,  does  not  appear.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  a  part  of  the  plat  was  not  planted  with 
one  set  to  the  hill,  and  the  products  weighed  separately.  These  practical  tests,  of  the  feasibility 
of  raising  large  crops  from  small  sets,  become  of  much  importance  in  seasons  of  scarcity  of  seed 


34 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


potatoes.  For  it  is  shown  here  that,  even  without  carrying  the  division  of  the  eyes  to  extremes, 
nine-tenths  of  the  seed  may  be  saved. 

A  comparison  of  the  distances  between  the  hills  with  the  average  yield  per  acre  gives  a  most 
interesting  and  valuable  table,  as  follows : 

The  sets  planted  at  a  distance  of 


2x3  feet  gave  a  yield  of  378  bushels  per  acre. 
2x4        "        "        "         462      "  " 

3x3        "        "        "  651      "  " 

3x3}^    "        "        "         441      "  " 


3x4  feet  gave  a  yield  of  372  bushels  per  acre. 
3>^x4     "  "       "  342        "  " 

4x4        "  "      "  332        "  " 

4x8        "  "      "  88        "  " 


The  large  number  of  data  of  which  the  above  figures  form  an  average,  give  these  statistics  a 
special  value.  It  wiU  be  seen  that  although  the  greatest  yields  from  one  pound  grew  from  hiUs 
four  feet  apart,  the  largest  crops  per  acre  were  raised  at  distances  of  three  feet  each  way,  and 
that  as  the  distances  between  the  hills  are  increased  or  decreased,  the  yield  diminishes  in  regular 
proportion.  In  the  first  case,  there  remains  wasted  ground  which  is  not  reached  by  the  roots  of 
the  plants,  and  in  the  latter,  the  roots  are  so  crowded  that  they  cannot  obtain  all  the  nourishment 
they  are  capable  of  consuming. 

Cultivation. — It  will  be  hardly  necessary  to  state  that  in  many  cases  the  cultivation  and 
care  these  growing  potatoes  received  were  unremitting  and  indefatigable.  In  no  case  were 
weeds  to  be  seen  in  the  patch ;  some  of  the  plantations  received  semi-  weekly  hoeings,  and 
all  were  kept  scrupulously  clean,  and  the  soil  loose  and  mellow.  Yet  many  large  crops  were 
grown  with  but  ordinary  care.  Mr.  J.  I.  Salter  swears  "that  the  cultivation,  manuring,  etc., 
was  the  same  he  has  given  his  general  crop  of  potatoes  for  the  last  five  years,  and  in  no  respect 
had  there  been  extra  care  and  labor  bestowed."  Mr.  H.  C.  Pearson  certifies  '■  that  these  potatoes 
were  grown  with  the  most  ordinary  farm  culture,  being  hoed  only  twice  and  receiving  no  extra 
treatment  in  any  respect." 

The  mode  of  planting  and  cultivating  with  a  larger  number  of  the  best  cultivators  consists  in 
crossing  their  fields  with  furrows  six  and  more  inches  deep.  The  sets  are  dropped  at  the  crossings 
and  immediately  covered  with  about  two  inches  of  soil  or  compost.  The  vines  as  they  grow  are 
hilled  up  gradually  and  frequently  to  a  final  height  of  twelve  to  eighteen  inches.  Then  large, 
broad  hills  are  made,  using  all  the  soil  between  the  rows. 

Irrigation.— The  fact  that  the  largest  yields  were  produced  in  the  Eastern  States,  in  regions 
which  suffered  from  one  of  the  severest  droughts  known,  where  the  general  crops  failed  almost 
entirely,  induced  us  to  investigate  more  closely  the  manner  in  which  these  premium  potatoes 
were  grown.  As  the  result  we  find  that  all  these  comjietitors  attribute  their  success  to  the  judi- 
cious application  of  water  during  the  dry  season.  One  of  the  competitors  had  arranged  an  in- 
genious system  of  irrigation,  by  inserting  six  inches  from  each  hill,  two  inch  drain  tiles,  six 
inches  deep,  and  filling  these  with  water,  twice  a  week,  during  the  dry  weather.  In  reply  to  a 
letter  he  writes:  "I  attribute  my  success  the  past  season  to  the  fertilizers  applied,  but  more 
especially  to  the  mode  of  applying  water.  I  find  that,  even  without  manure,  this  plan  gives  great 
results.  Give  me  drouth  and  this  means  of  applying  water,  and  I  can  grow  a  much  larger  crop 
than  with  the  most  favorable  weather  and  no  watering.  This  I  have  proved  by  two  years'  expe- 
rience." Many  may  not  be  so  situated  that  they  can  apply  as  complete  a  system  of  irrigation,  but 
thousands  of  farmers  have  running  through  their  lands,  brooks  and  streams  which  might,  without 
much  cost,  be  made  to  furnish  nutriment  to  their  parching  crops.  One  acre  of  potatoes  would  in 
many  cases  pay  for  more  than  the  entire  expense  of  a  permanent  system  of  irrigation.  The  in- 
formation about  this  important  subject,  derived  from  the  accompanying  reports,  cannot  but  prove 
of  the  greatest  value  to  all  cultivators  of  the  soil. 

Although  these  short  extracts,  from  material  sufficient  for  a  large  volume,  can  do  but  little 
justice  to  the  importance  of  the  subject,  yet  they  may  serve  as  an  outline  of  the  important  and 
valuable  information  which  could  in  no  other  way  be  obtained. 

Trusting  that  the  increasing  interest  in  potato  culture,  stimulated  largely  by  these  competi- 
tive trials,  may  be  still  more  productive  of  information  and  progress  in  this  important  branch  of 
Agriculture,  I  am  yours  respectfully, 

F.  M.  HEXAMER,  Secretary. 


Extracts  from  the  Keport  of  Mr.  Nardy,  delegate  from  the  French  Government  to 
the  Centennial  Exhibition  at  Philadelphia  in  1876. 

"The  coUection  exhibited  by  the  house  of  Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons  of  New  York,  is  the 
most  remarkable  of  its  kind  in  the  Exposition.  The  varieties  of  Potatoes  in  their  exhibit,  and 
the  evident  care  and  attention  bestowed  upon  their  collection,  manifest  constant  study  on  the 
part  of  the  exhibitors.    In  our  opinion  theirs  was  the  most  complete  display  of  this  valuable  escu- 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE.  36 

lent  in  the  exhibition.  To  this  remark  we  desire  to  add  a  few  observations.  We  sincerely  hope 
that  the  influence  of  this  horticaltural  exhibition  at  Jfliiladelphla  will  long  be  benehcially  felt 
among  farmers  and  growers  of  plants  and  vegetables.  That  were  in  reality  all  the  fruits 
and  vegetables  which  we  to-day  enjoy,  when  Asia,  Africa  and  America  sent  them  to  us  in  their 
wild  state?  unfit  for  eating!  JSfow,  after  having  been  cultivated  and  improved  by  the  garden- 
ers they  have  become  succulent  and  nourishing,  and  pleasant  to  the  taste.  By  patience  and 
careful  cultivation,  horticulture  has  been  enabled  to  transform  the  type  of  many  species  of  vege- 
tation into  a  great  number  of  varieties.  Let  me  take  as  an  example  of  this,  the  collection  of 
Potatoes  exhibited  by  these  gentlemen  which  consists  of  500  varieties,  and  we  can  thus  appreci- 
ate the  patience  and  researches  which  must  have  been  necessary  to  obtain  so  many  useful  varie- 
ties. The  service  rendered  to  the  farmers  of  the  United  States  by  the  house  of  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons 
is  so  evident,  th  it  we  do  not  hesitate  to  call  attention  to  them,  for  agriculture  in  general  derives 
an  immense  benefit  from  these  great  improvements  in  useful  vegetables,  which  are  mainly  due  to 
their  initiative.  The  cultivation  of  the  Potato  takes  an  important  rank  in  the  agricultural  pro- 
ductions of  this  country.  As  a  source  of  revenue,  it  comes  immediately  after  grain  and  before 
tobacco.  It  is  now  many  years  since  the  senior  partner,  having  a  special  aptitude  for  horticulture, 
devoted  himself  to  that  study.  In  1845  he  founded  his  first  establishment,  and  year  by  year,  by 
steady  application,  and  especially  by  his  energy  in  collecting  the  rarest  seeds  and  best  varieties  of 
useful  vegetables  from  all  countries,  the  reputation  of  the  house  constantly  increased.  He  was 
the  first  to  introduce  the  Early  Rose  Potato,  which  he  did  in  1867,  and  his  establishment  then  ac- 
quired the  important  position  which  it  now  enjoys.  Animated  by  the  spirit  of  the  amateur  he 
has  not  only  sought  out  varieties  in  this  product,  but  has  endeavored  in  every  way  to  render  a 
benefit  to  agriculture  by  inducing  the  farmer  to  improve  the  cultivation  of  this  esculent. 

But  if  we  were  to  dwell  longer  on  this  question,  we  should  be  carried  too  far  from  our  object, 
which  is  to  call  the  attention  of  our  French  Government  to  the  importance  of  this  house  who 
were  so  highly  distinguished  by  the  jury  at  Philadelphia,  and  close  this  report  by  expressing  our 
desire  that  they  will  send  some  of  their  rare  specimens  to  our  Paris  Exhibition  of  1878." 


Reports  of  Three  of  the  Successful  Competitors 

FOB  THE  PKEMIUMS  OFFEKED  BY  US  IN  1876. 

How  to  Grow  Twenty  Bushels  and  Upwards  of  Potatoes  from  One  Pound  of  the 

Seed. 

The  following  reports  have  been  properly  witnessed  and  sworn  to  before  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace— in  their  respective  residences — they  have  also  been  carefully  examined  by  the  committee 
and  found  to  conform  to  the  rules  prescribed  in  our  offer  for  the  Premiums. 

(From  H.  C.  Pearson.) 

PiTCAIRN,  N.  Y.  October  4,  1876. 
Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons  :— I  ordered  of  you  April  1st,  1876,  one  pound  each  of  Ruby  and 
Alpha  Potatoes,  and  planted  them  May  10th,  1876,  and  dug  them  September  28th.  The  Ruby  pro- 
duced 1,983  pounds  ani  the  Alpha  produced  1,707  3-4  pounds.  The  soil  was  light  loam  with 
some  gravel  with  a  sand  and  gravel  subsoil  not  underdrained.  The  soil  was  very  rich,  and  its 
fertility  was  increased  in  the  Pall  of  1875,  by  spreading  broadcast  fifty-two  horse  loads  of  well  rotted 
manure,  three  years  old,  and  150  bushels  of  ashes  per  acre,  and  plowed  it  under  about  eight 
inches  deep ;  plowed  and  harrowed  until  perfectly  pulverized  eight  inches  deep  last  May.  Placed 
in  each  hill  before  planting,  two  quarts  of  compost,  composed  of  thirty  bushels  of  decayed  ma- 
nure, five  bushels  of  ashes,  three  bushels  slacked  lime,  eight  quarts  salt,  and  four  pounds  of  sul- 
phur ;  the  tubers  were  cut,  some  of  the  eyes  divided  into  as  many  as  seven  and  eight  parts,  planted 
one  set  in  each  hill,  and  covered  them  about  three  inches  deep  with  soil  mixed  with  some  bone 
dust,  making  in  all  195  hills  of  the  Ruby,  210  of  the  Alpha ;  they  were  planted  three  and  one-half 
feet  apart  each  way,  the  number  of  square  feet  occupied  by  Ruby,  was  2,361:  feet,  the  number  oc- 
cupied by  Alpha,  was  2,516  feet.  I  hoed  them  three  times,  making  very  high,  broad  hills,  watered 
them  several  times  during  July  and  August,  with  liquid  manure,  dug  from  one  hill  of  Rubys, 
forty-three  potatoes,  weight  17  1-3  pounds ;  used  no  slips  or  artificial  heat.     H.  C.  PEARSON. 

{From  J.  I.  Salter.) 

St.  Cloud,  Minn.,  October  24, 1876. 
Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons— Sirs : — On  the  7th  of  April,  1870,  I  ordered  of  you,  one  pound 
each  of  the  "  Ruby  "  and  "Alpha  "  Potatoes.     Planted  the  Ruby  on  the  31st  day  of  May.    Pre- 
pared the  ground  as  follows:    I  spread  as  evenly  as  I  could  on  the  sward,  about  equr.l  parts  of 
hen  and  barn-yard  manure,  at  the  rate  of  five  heaping  garden  wheelbarrowfuls  to  the  square  rod. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


before  plowing,  then  plowed,  turning  a  furrow  ten  inches  deep  and  ten  inches  wide.  I  then 
planted  my  sets,  after  dividing  every  cluster  of  eyes  into  from  three  to  twelve  pieces,  in  rows 
four  feet  apart  and  as  near  as  convenient,  three  and  one-half  feet  apart  in  the  rows,  dropping  but 
one  piece  in  a  place.  I  covered  from  two  to  three  or  four  inches  with  loose  earth.  From  the 
pound  I  made  two  hundred  and  ninety  (290)  sets,  the  space  planted  was  sixty  by  seventy  feet, 
(4,200  square  feet);  hoed  but  once,  when  the  plants  were  about  ten  inches  high,  making  a  broad 
and  continuous  ridge,  flat  on  the  top,  and  a  little  depressed  in  the  center ;  covered  the  vines  all 
but  a  very  little  of  the  top.  Before  hoeing,  I  applied  to  each  plant  a  large  shovelful  of  ferment- 
ing hen  manure;  it  was  so  hot  that  it  would  turn  the  leaves  of  plants  black,  and  give  them  the 
appearance  of  being  scalded,  in  less  than  a  minute ;  I  would  manure  three  or  four  plants,  and 
then  cover  as  quickly  as  possible.  The  plants,  in  a  day  or  two,  began  to  grow  and  retained  a  dark 
green,  almost  black  color  until  they  were  killed  by  the  frost.  I  did  nothing  more  in  the  way  of 
cultivation. 

On  the  19th  of  August,  I  dug  one  hill  of  the  "  Eaby,"  and  had  ten  and  one-half  (10>^)  pounds; 
on  the  9th  of  October,  I  dug  of  the  Kuby  eight  hundred  and  twelve  (812)  pounds;  on  the  10th 
of  October,  I  finished  digging  the  Ruby,  digging  eight  hundred  and  seventy-one  and  one-half 
{671)4)  pjDunds,  making  a  total  of  sixteen  hundred  and  ninety-four  (1 ,694)  pounds.  The  "Alpha  " 
was  planted  the  same  distance  apart  each  way,  had  the  same  cultivation,  manuring,  etc.,  as  the 
Kuby,  except  about  fifty  hills,  that  I  covered  the  sets  about  four  inches  deep  with  coarse,  unfer- 
mented  horse  manure,  and  applied  no  other  manure  afterward.  I  covered  this  manure  with 
earth,  the  same  as  I  covered  the  hen  manure.  I  did  not  get  as  many  large  potatoes  from  these  so 
treated,  but  about  the  same  in  weight  per  hill ;  made  two  hundred  and  fifty  sets.  The  ground  oc- 
cupied by  the  Alpha  was  the  same  as  the  Ruby,  sixty  feet  by  seventy  (4,270  square  feet).  I  also 
planted  two  rows  of  this  Potato  in  hills  four  feet  apart  each  way.  The  land  in  both  cases,  a  black 
sandy  loam,  rich  in  decomposed  vegetable  matter,  usually  about  two  feet  deep,  under  which  is 
hard  pan.  On  the  28th  of  August,  I  dug  two  hills  of  the  Alpha,  and  had  15  3-4  pounds;  on  the 
12th  of  October,  I  dug  1,010  pounds  of  the  Alpha,  and  on- the  13th  of  October,  640  pounds,  mak- 
ing altogether  1,665  3-4  pounds. 

These  amounts  I  dug,  were  grown  alone  from  the  one  pound  each  of  the  above  named  varie- 
ties, purchased  from  you  as  I  stated  above,  and  without  any  sprouting  or  any  other  means  being 
used  than  as  stated.    The  land  was  not  drained  in  any  way.  J.  I.  SALTER. 

(From  Peter  Robertson.) 

The  Gardens— Haeteigge  House,  Jedbuegh, 

RoxBOKOUGH,  Scotland,  October  4, 1876. 

Messrs.  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons  : — Gentlemen.  I  beg  to  forward  to  you  my  report.  I  ordered  of 
you,  March  21,  1876,  one  pound  each  of  Alpha  and  Ruby  Potatoes.  I  planted  them  on  April  24, 
1876;  they  were  dug  October  2  and  3,  1876.  The  Ruby  produced  1,534  pounds,  and  the  Alpha 
produced  1,346  pounds.  The  soil  is  a  mixture  of  black,  sandy  loam,  four  feet  deep,  with  a  red 
clay  sub.soil  and  underdrained;  it  has  been  lawns  or  short  grass  for  many  years ;  it  was  trenched 
on  or  about  December,  1875,  and  remained  in  Winter  fir  until  about  April  10, 1876,  it  was  enriched 
by  about  five  inches  of  well-rotted  cow  dung  and  gas  lime  rubbish;  the  ground  was  then  dug  in 
the  usual  way,  care  being  taken  to  mix  and  make  it  as  fine  as  possible ;  the  rows  were  six  feet 
apart,  and  the  sets  were  planted  three  feet  apart,  a  mixture  of  about  three  cart-loads  of  wood- 
ashes,  two  cart-loads  of  sheep  droppings,  one  lime,  two  hundred  weight  salt,  all  mixed.  The  tubers 
were  cut  and  planted  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Kerr  and  others.  Some  of  the  eyes  divided  into  seven 
parts ;  they  were  very  small.  Planted  one  set  three  feet  apart  each  way ;  under  each,  three  spade- 
fuls of  the  above  mixture  was  pulverized  three  inches  deep  with  the  soil,  and  each  set  planted  one 
inch  deep ;  they  all  grew ;  at  first  they  looked  very  weak,  but  gained  strength  something  extraordi- 
nary ;  they  were  kept  free  of  weeds,  and  the  soil  drawn  to  them  as  they  grew ;  they  were  two  inches 
high  on  May  29,  1876;  they  got  nothing  but  kept  free  of  weeds,  and  the  soil  drawn  to  them  as 
they  grew,  until  the  tubers  began  to  swell;  they  were  then  watered  with  a  mixture  of  sheep 
droppings  and  hen  manure  a  few  times  until  they  were  lifted;  there  were  176  sets  of  Ruby,  164 
Alpha,  single  eyes  and  very  small ;  from  one  set  single  eye  I  had  twenty-one  pounds ;  many  of  the 
tubers  were  two  and  three  pounds  each.  I  may  also  say  that  I  had  some  very  fine,  early  Cauli- 
flowers and  Early  Cabbage  on  the  same  ground;  they  were  planted  between  the  rows  of  the  Pota- 
toes, and  cut  before  the  Potato  vines  got  up  to  cover  the  space  between ;  the  ground  they  occupied 
was  forty-six  feet  by  seventy  feet,  and  would  be  about  3,220  square  feet  for  each  variety.  Many 
of  the  vines  remained  green  until  they  were  lifted.  The  season  was  generally  good  for  Potato 
culture ;  no  forcing  process  was  used  whatever. 

PETER  ROBERTSON. 


The  Potato  Crop, 


A  Paper  Read  at  the  American  Institute  Farmers'  Club. 

By  Conrad  Wilson. 

The  annual  j'ield  of  potatoes  in  the  United  States,  according  to  the  returns  of  the  last  census, 
was  nearly  one  hundred  and  fifty  million  bushels.  In  view  of  the  increasing  attention  lately 
given  to  this  crop,  it  will  doubtless  show,  at  the  close  of  the  present  decade,  a  large  Increase  in 
the  amount  of  the  yield,  as  well  as  in  the  number  and  improvement  of  varieties.  In  fact,  it  may 
safely  be  assumed  that,  in  spite  of  the  fears  of  many  in  regard  to  the  ravages  of  the  beetle,  this 
crop  will  still  show  a  yield,  at  the  next  census,  of  over  two  hundred  million  bushels. 

By  its  valuable  qualities,  and  its  large  consumption,  the  potato  ranks  in  nearly  all  countries 
as  a  leading  food  staple.  It  is  therefore  in  every  view  important,  and  may  always  be  discussed 
with  interest  and  profit.  There  are,  of  course,  some  other  crops  that  are  grown  on  a  larger  scale, 
and  some  that  foot  up  a  larger  yearly  aggregate.  Yet  no  product  of  husbandry  is  more  variously 
useful,  or  more  generally  raised  by  farmers,  and  none,  if  we  except  wheat,  more  universally  con- 
sumed by  the  people. 

A  few  examples  illustrating  the  rate  of  yield  and  the  cost  per  bushel  for  this  crop  will  tend 
to  show  what  possibilities  belong  to  it,  and  thus  perhaps  stimulate  the  average  farmer  to  aim  at 
higher  results. 

Some  experiments  in  potato  culture  were  reported  in  January  of  last  year,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing are  a  part  of  the  results : 

H.  0.  Pearson,  of  Pitcairn,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  produced  from  one  pound  of  seed,  1,982 
pounds  of  potatoes,  of  the  Kuby  variety.  He  also  raised  the  same  year,  from  one  pound  of  seed, 
1,707  pounds  of  the  Alpha  variety.  J.  I.  Salter,  of  St.  Cloud,  Minn.,  got  the  same  year,  from  one 
pound  of  seed,  1,694  pounds  of  the  Ruby,  and  1,665  pounds  of  the  Alpha;  while  Alfred  Hose,  of 
Penn  Yan,  N.  Y.,  got  1,576  pounds,  and  P,  L.  Wood,  of  111.,  1,571  pounds,  each  from  a  pound  of 
seed  of  the  Ruby  variety.  The  year  previous  J.  L.  Perkins,  of  Little  Sioux,  Iowa,  obtained  1,666 
pounds  from  one  pound  of  the  Eureka  variety. 

These  amazing  products  were  some  of  the  results  obtained  by  farmers  competing  for  the  pre- 
miums offered  by  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons  of  New  York. 

The  inducements  thus  held  out  by  this  enterprising  firm  has  led  to  valuable  consequences, 
and  the  competition  has  developed  the  prolific  quality  of  this  vegetable  to  a  degree  that  surpasses 
all  previous  conception. 

But  while  duly  crediting  the  liberality  and  public  spirit  of  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons,  and  the  grand 
success  of  the  winning  parties,  we  cannot  help  regretting  that  the  most  important  question  in  po- 
tato culture  was  not  included  among  the  offers.    It  is  easy  to  see  that 

Tlie  Cost  of  Production 

is  the  underlying  question  which  measures  the  importance  of  all  the  others.  Yet  this  does  not  at 
all  diminish  the  value  of  the  test  made  by  Mr.  Bliss.  The  Rubies  raised  by  Mr.  Pearson  from  a 
pound  of  seed  fell  short  of  a  ton  by  only  18  pounds.  This  fact  has  arrested  the  attention  of  potato 
growers  as  well  as  consumers  in  both  hemispheres,  and  confers  merited  distinction  on  both  Pear- 
son and  Bliss ;  and  certainly  the  tendency  of  such  facts  is  to  help  forward  the  solution  of  the  still 
greater  problem  of  cost.  The  man  who  gets  the  bottom  figures  in  this  problem,  though  he  may 
not  '•  double  the  blades  of  grass,"  will  more  than  double  the  product  of  potatoes. 

Since  these  prizes  were  awarded  I  have  received  statements  of  cost  from  several  competitors, 
and  hope  still  to  hear  from  others. 

Alfred  Rose  has  reported  his  cost,  in  one  competition,  at  less  than  15  cents  per  bushel,  and 
J.  L.  Perkins  about  the  same.  J.  I.  Salter  obtained  a  yield  in  one  case  at  about;  20  cents  per 
bushel.  Kis  latest  results  I  have  not  learned.  Henry  V.  Rose  and  M.  M.  Rose  have  each  report- 
ed a  cost  slightly  above  the  figures  obtained  by  J.  L.  Perkins  and  the  elder  Mr.  Rose.  For  the 
previous  year,  Alfred  Rose  reported  his  cost  at  $55  per  acre,  and  9^  cents  per  bushel.  Mr.  Per- 
kins has  also  reported  a  later  crop,  since  the  competition,  in  which  he  makes  the  cost,  without 
manure,  $5.40  per  acre,  and  6%  cents  per  bushel. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Various  other  fanners,  since  the  Bliss  competition,  have  reported  to  me  their  yield  and  cost 
for  potatoes.  Lyman  Alexander,  of  Minnesota,  got  400  bushels  per  acre  of  the  Peerless  variety, 
at  a  cost  of  about  7  cents  per  bushel. 

Azro  Smith,  of  Kock  BlufEs,  Nebraska,  raised  a  crop  of  Extra  Early  Vermont,  of  which  the 
yield  was  824  bushels  per  acre,  and  the  cost,  as  he  made  it,  4>^  cents  per  bushel.  But  the  cost  in 
this  instance,  as  also  in  the  two  previous  cases,  requires  some  correction.  Every  crop  should  be 
charged  for  interest  on  the  land,  and  when  no  manure  is  used,  a  charge  should  also  be  made  for 
exhaustion  of  soil.  This  would  probably  add  2  or  3  cents  per  bushel  to  the  cost  of  the  three  last 
named  crops. 

C.  C.  Holton,  of  Eoehester,  N.  Y.,  has  reported  potatoes  at  400  bushels  per  acre,  and  at  a  cost 
of  12]4  cents  per  bushel.  A  crop  of  600  bushels  per  acre  has  been  reported  by  one  of  the  editors 
of  the  Agriculturist,  640  bushels  by  0.  L.  Bragdon,  and  700  bushels  by  P.  F.  Rice  of  Polo,  111.  In 
one  of  the  competitions  for  the  Bliss  prizes,  Mr.  Perkins  obtained  376  bushels  per  acre,  and  Alfred 
Rose  got  600  bushels  of  Brownells  and  746  bushels  of  Eurekas. 

Let  us  now  take  another  view  of  the  potato  crop  that  may  perhaps  shed  some  light  on  its 
utility  and  value  as  a  food  staple. 

Feeding  Value  of  Potatoes. 

Like  Indian  corn,  this  vegetable  is  everywhere  extensively  utilized  as  an  article  of  food,  both 
for  the  human  family  and  for  nearly  all  domestic  animals.  Hence  it  is  clear  that  the  nutritive 
properties  of  the  potato  are  a  question  of  no  little  importance  to  the  farmer,  and  one  on  which 
the  light  of  further  experience  is  still  greatly  needed. 

How  to  convert  potatoes,  with  the  best  economy,  and  with  the  largest  profit,  into  other  forms 
of  food,  into  milk,  butter  and  meat,  i»  a  problem  not  yet  fu,lly  solved.  Various  estimates  have 
been  made  by  practical  men  as  to  the  effective  value  of  the  potato  in  the  production  of  beef, 
mutton  and  milk;  and  though  opinions  still  differ,  the  proportion  of  other  food  staples  that  pota- 
toes are  capable  of  yielding  is  nearly  indicated  in  the  following  statement: 

A  bushel  of  potatoes  when  judiciously  fed  to  animals  of  a  good  breed  will  produce : 
Of  Beef,      -...-------       from  2  to  3  pounds. 

"  Mutton, "      4  to   5       " 

"   Pork, "4to5" 

«  Milk, "35  to  40" 

"   Butter, "       2  to   2>^    "     . 

It  is  of  course  not  supposed  that  potatoes  are  fed  exclusively  in  producing  these  results,  but 
in  a  suitable  combination  with  other  kinds  of  feed. 

Now  the  practical  value  of  the  above  table  depends  materially  upon  the  amount  of  potatoes 
produced  from  an  acre.  The  average  yield  of  the  crop  for  the  whole  country  is  probably  not  over 
100  bushels  per  acre.  And  yet  it  will  be  seen,  from  the  examples  above  reported,  that  over  800 
bushels  have  been  produced,  and  even  that  is  not  by  any  means  the  final  limit  of  yield.  Consid- 
ering the  recent  progress  of  potato  culture,  and  conceding  the  fact  that  1,000  bushels  per  acre 
have  been  occasionally  achieved  by  brilliant  farmers,  it  seems  hardly  credible  that  the  average 
yield  for  the  United  States  is  only  100  bushels  per  acre.  What  shall  we  say  then?  Shall  we 
distrust  the  return  of  the  last  census?  or  shall  we  rather  credit  some  progress  to  the  eight  inter- 
vening years,  and  claim  that  the  average  is  now  very  much  better.  One  thing  at  last  seems  clear. 
If  the  progress  of  the  next  two  or  three  years  shall  correspond  to  the  same  period  of  the  past,  it 
may  safely  be  assumed  that  the  average  yield  of  potatoes  for  the  coming  decade  will  not  be  less  than 
200  bushels  per  acre.  I  venture  therefore  to  assume  this  figure  as  the  coming  average,  and  if  any  of 
our  twenty  million  farmers  are  disposed  to  quarrel  with  me  for  claiming  this  yield,  my  best 
revenge  will  be  to  prove  the  possibility  and  then  to  tell  them  how  it  may  be  done. 

If  now  we  apply  to  this  estimate  the  figures  of  the  above  table,  we  shall  discover 

What  an  Acre  of  Potatoes    Means, 

when  expressed  in  the  form  of  other  food  staples.    We  shall  find  that  it  is  measured 

In  Beef,  -       -       - -       by    400  to    500  pounds. 

"  Pork, "      800  to  1,000      " 

"  Mutton, "     800  to  1,000      " 

"Milk,-       ....__._.-         "  7,000  pounds,  or  over. 

"  Bread,        -- "  4,000       " 

"  Butter,       - 400       " 

Again,  as  I  have  already  shown  that  the  total  potato  product  of  this  country  is  nearly  certain 
to  reach  200  million  bushels  as  the  average  for  the  next  decade,  it  will  be  seen  that  if  the  above 
figures  are  extended  so  as  to  meet  this  case  of  the  total  product,  then  it  will  be  found  that 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE.  39 


Tlie  Annual  Potato  Crop  of  the  United  States 

is  equivalent 

In  Beef,    --.--------         to    400,000,000  pounds. 

"  Pork,    ---- "     800,000,000       " 

"  Mutton, "      800,000,000       " 

"  Milk, -..-         «  7,000,000,000      " 

"  Bread,-        .-.----.--         "  4,000,000,000       " 

"  Butter,        -..- "     400,000,000      " 

Let  us  now  take  another  view  of  this  subject.  If  Mr.  Pearson  had  taken  his  crop  of  Ruby 
potatoes  that  were  produced  from  a  pound  of  seed,  and  by  a  right  mode  of  feeding,  had  converted 
them  into  butter,  according  to  the  above  estimate,  the  outcome  of  his  experiment  would  have 
been  about  sixiy  pounds  of  butter  iu  the  Fall,  as  the  legitimate  result  of  one  pound  of  potatoes 
planted  iu  the  Spring.  Or  if  he  had  converted  the  potatoes  into  mutton,  the  result  would  have 
been  120  pounds. 

Again,  when  Azro  Smith  harvested  over  800  bushels  of  potatoes  from  one  acre,  if  he  had  fed 
that  crop  to  a  good  bre^d  of  cattle,  it  would  have  produced,  according  to  the  above  estimate,  at 
the  rate  of  two  pounds  of  beef  for  each  bushel  of  potatoes,  making  a  total  of  1,600  pounds  of 
beef,  as  the  product  of  one  acre,  or  if,  instead  of  beef,  he  had  converted  the  crop  into  milk,  the 
result  would  have  been  over  20,000  pounds. 

These  results,  of  course,  depend  in  part  on  the  above  estimate  for  the  feeding  value  of 
potatoes.  On  this  point  there  is  room  for  some  difference  of  opinion.  But  it  would  be  easy  to 
show  that  when  potatoes  are  combined  with  other  well-selected  elements,  and  fed  in  the  right 
proportion  to  animals  of  good  breed,  and  good  capacity,  the  estimate  given  is  not  far  out  of  the 
way.  But  to  place  the  matter  beyond  any  question,  if  we  reduce  the  estimate  by  50  per  cent.,  it 
would  still  be  possible  for  Pearson  to  plant  his  pound  of  potatoes  in  the  Spring,  and  harvest  in  the 
Fall  either  30  pounds  of  butter,  or  60  pounds  of  mutton ;  and  Azro  Smith  would  still  be  able  to 
show  from  his  acre  of  potatoes,  that  an  acre  of  beef  is  equivalent  to  800  pounds,  and  an  acre  of 
milk  to  10,000  pounds. 

»  >  » 

EGYPTIAN.  EAST  INDIAN  OR  PEARL  MIIiLET.— (PenciZZaria  spicata.) 

This  new  Millet  is  quite  distinct  from  all  other  species,  and  is  without  doubt,  destined  to  take 
a  place  in  the  front  rank  of  valuable  forage  plants.  Sown  in  light,  sandy  soil,  the  plants  at  first 
appear  feeble,  resembling  broom-corn ;  but  when  a  few  inches  above  ground  they  begin  to  tiller, 
and  new  shoots  appear  very  rapidly  from  the  original  riiot,  until  they  number  a  half  dozen  to  a 
dozen  or  more.  The  stems  at  first  are  nearly  prostrate,  but  when  about  two  feet  long  they  begin 
to  assume  an  upright  position,  reaching  a  hight  of  eight  to  ten  feet,  not  differing  in  color  or  sub- 
stance from  our  common  Indian  corn.  In  fact,  it  is  one  of  the  most  "  leafy  "  plants  we  have  ever 
met  in  the  great  family  to  which  it  belongs.  When  the  stems  have  reached  nearly  their  full 
hight,  the  seed  or  flower  spikes  appear  at  the  summit.  As  soon  as  the  first  or  principal  flower 
spike  appears,  the  stems  throw  out  lateral  branches  from  every  joint,  these  in  turn  producing 
leaves  and  flower  spikes.  When  cultivated  for  fodder,  the  seed  should  be  dropped  in  drills,  and 
given  plenty  of  room  on  account  of  the  peculiar  habit  of  tillering;  and,  judging  from  our  brief 
experience  with  it,  we  think  a  quart,  or  at  most  two  quarts,  of  seed  would  be  abundant  for  an  acre 
The  fodder  is  in  the  best  condition  for  cutting  and  curing  when  the  stalks  are  five  or  six  feet 
high;  but,  if  used  for  soiling,  it  might  be  cut  earlier  or  later,  at  the  convenience  of  the  cultivator; 
the  stumps,  sprouting  and  throwing  up  a  new  growth,  continue  to  grow  until  killed  by  frosts. 
Cows,  horses  and  other  farm  stock  are  exceedingly  fond  of  this  kind  of  millet,  eating  it  with  as 
much  avidity  and  apparent  relish  as  they  do  the  green  leaves  of  Indian  corn ;  and  we  are  inclined 
to  think  that  it  is  fully  as  nutritious.  The  seed  will  not  mature  in  the  Northern  States.  Price, 
25  cts.  per  packet ;  5  packets,  $1.00, 

THE  CHUPA,   OR  EARTH  A'LM.O'SD.—(Cyperus   esulentus). 

This  plant  is  extensively  grown  in  the  Southern  States,  and  for  sheep,  hog  and  poultry  feed, 
it  is  claimed  to  be  one  of  the  most  profitable  crops  grown.  Chufas  may  be  planted  in  rows  two 
and  a  half  or  three  feet  apart,  and  two  tubers  should  be  dropped  twenty  inches  or  two  feet  apart 
in  the  row,  and  covered  two  inches  deep.  In  this  way,  about  a  half  bushel  is  sufficient  for  an  acre. 
In  the  South  they  are  planted  during  February  and  March.  North  they  should  be  planted  when 
the  ground  is  warm ;  about  the  same  time  as  corn,  or  a  little  earlier. 

Price  per  packet  15  cts.;  per  qt.,  iO  cts.;  [by  mail  60  cts.;]  per  peck,  $2.50;  K  bush.,  $4.50;  bush. 
$8.00. 

For  a  more  detailed  description  of  the  above  and  mode  of  culture,  see  our  circular  of  Novel- 
ties for  tlie  Farm  and  G-arden— mailed  free  to  all. 


40  B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Ne^v  S^veet  Potato. 


EAELY  PEABODY. 

This  variety,  first  introduced  by  Mr.  C.  A.  Peabody  of  Georgia,  in  the  Spring  of  1877,  has 
proved  a  valuable  acquisition,  and  occupies  the  same  position  towards  other  varieties  of  svireet 
potatoes  that  the  Early  Kose  does  among  our  common  varieties.  At  the  South  they  have  been 
ready  for  the  table  six  weeks  from  the  time  they  appeared  above  ground.  The  fuUowing  report 
from  the  editor  of  the  American  Agriculturist  shows  how  well  they  have  succeeded  at  the  North: 

"  We  started  the  potatoes  in  a  hot-bed,  and  treated  the  slips,  or  plants,  as  we  have  heretofore 
treated  others.  The  season  was  unusually  wet  with  us,  and  the  vines  grew  luxuriantly.  Willi  the 
ordinary  sweet  potatoes,  we  think  it  fortunate  if  we  can  steal  a  few  from  the  rows  two  or  three 
weeks  before  the  viues  are  stopped  by  the  frost,  when  the  whole  must  be  dug.  We  had  potatoes 
abundantly  large  for  the  table  by  August  10th,  but  we  did  not  have  them  07i  the  table,  as  they 
were  not  fit  to  eat.  So  abundant  had  been  the  rains,  that  while  the  vines  gave  us  a  plenty  of  po- 
tatoes, they  forgot  all  about  the  siveet,  and  they  were  simply  useless,  as  probably  any  other  vari- 
ety would  have  been  under  the  same  conditions.  After  this  trial  we  let  the  crop  alone  until  frost 
in  early  Ootober,  when  it  was  dug.  There  were  three  rows  across  the  garden,  each  180  feet  long, 
and  th.iy  gave,  without  any  unusual  culture,  9  barrels  of  Early  Peabody.  And  such  potatoes  for 
size!  Three  of  them,  selected,  of  course,  weighed  12  pounds.  We  are  now  having  them  on  the 
table,  aud  while  they  are  not  quite  so  sweet  as  those  brought  from  Virginia  and  Delaware,  they 
are  sweet  enough  to  suit  the  writer's  taste,  and  of  a  most  excellent  flavor  and  texture.  Our  land 
is  very  light  and  suffered  so  mucli  from  drouth  in  previous  seasons,  and  especially  the  last,  that  a 
steam  piTmp  was  put  in  to  enable  us  to  water  the  garden  from  the  river,  but  so  unlike  to  the  aver- 
age seasons  was  that  just  pa<t,  that  we  have  not  needed  to  apply  a  gallon  of  water,  the  rains  giv- 
ing us  more  than  enough.  From  our  experience,  under  these  conditions,  we  have  no  doubt  that 
in  an  ordinarily  dry  summer,  the  Early  Peabody  will  not  only  prove  early,  but  good  and  produc- 
tive, and  it  is  especially  valuable  because,  on  account  of  its  early  maturing,  it  will  allow  the  culti- 
vition  of  the  sweet  potato  in  localities  much  further  North  than  has  heretofore  been  possible. 
Prom  our  experience  this  season,  adverse  as  it  was  in  some  respects,  we  feel  that  we  speak  within 
bounds  when  we  say  that  the  Early  Peabody  will  prove  to  be  at  least  a  month  earlier  than  any 
other  variety— and  we  have  cultivated  all  that  are  grown  in  the  Northern  States." 

Different  Methods  of  Propagating. 

The  usual  method  is  to  place  the  potatoes  in  a  hot-bed,  and  cover  them  with  a  few  inches  of 
fine  soil;  the  buds  will  soon  start  and  form  shoots;  these,  as  they  grow,  make  roots  of  their  own, 
and  when  they  are  8  inches  to  a  foot  long,  and  well  rooted,  the  most  forward  ones  are  removed, 
aud  the  others  not  yet  large  enough  are  allowed  to  grow  on.  It  is  customary  to  split  the  larger 
potatoes  lengthwise,  and  lay  them  flatside  down  in  the  bed.  After  the  shoots  appear,  they  should 
have  the  same  care  as  other  hot-bed  plants,  to  prevent  them  growing  weak  and  drawn  up.  These 
shtots,  known  in  the  Southern  States  as  "  draws"  and  "  slips,"  are  at  the  North  called  "seis" 
and  "  plants."  Do  not  set  the  plants  until  settled  warm  weather  ;  then  set  them  well  down  to  the 
first  leaf,  15  inches  apart  in  the  ridge.  There  will  be  below  the  leaf  some  joints  without  leaves. 
Should  a  frost  nip  the  top,  then  a  new  shoot  will  start  from  one  of  the  barren  joints.  The  sides 
of  the  ridges  and  the  spaces  between  them  must  be  kept  clear  of  weeds  until  the  vines  cover  the 
ground;  move  the  vines  once  a  week  or  so  at  the  North  to  prevent  them  from  taking  root;  this 
is  quickly  done  by  means  of  a  rake  handle  or  other  stick.  Do  not  break  or  cut  the  vines.  At  the 
South  the  season  is  long  enough  to  let  them  take  root  at  the  joints,  as  they  will  make  potatoes 
then,  but  at  the  North  we  wish  to  prevent  their  taking  root,  and  to  throw  all  the  strength  of  the 
vines  into  the  potatoes  that  form  on  the  original  plant.  Be  careful  in  working  among  the  plants 
not  to  hoe  too  deeply,  as  the  earliest  pot;itoes  lie  immediately  beneath  the  surface.  Upon  digging, 
the  potatoes  they  should  be  carefully  handled  and  put  away  in  boxes  or  barrels  with  alternate 
layers  of  leaves  or  cut  straw,  in  a  warm  dry  place  to  keep. 

The  liand  and  How  to  Cultivate  Them. 

The  sweet  potato  may  be  cultivated  on  any  soil  but  a  heavy  one.  "We  have  seen  fine  crops  on 
white  sand  that  would  blow  into  drifts  with  every  heavy  wind.  Mr.  Peabody  says  tliat  he  has 
never  seen  a  sand-hill  so  poor  but  what,  with  judicious  manuring,  it  would  bring  a  good  crop; 
and  that  any  soil  which  will  produce  a  fair  crop  of  corn,  will  produce  one  of  sweet  pointoes,  pro- 
vided it  is  a  sandy  loam.  He  says  that  he  has  known  a  crop  in  his  county  of  800  bushels  of  sweet 
potatoes  to  the  acre,  upon  land  that  would  yield  50  bushels  of  corn,  and  was  fertilized  with  400  lbs. 
of  Peruvian  Guano  to  the  acre.  The  manure  should  be  placed  on  the  surface  and  the  ridges 
turned  upon  it  from  3^i  to  4  feet  from  center  to  center.  Plant  the  slips  on  the  top  of  the  ridges  as 
above  recommended.  .    . 

In  addition  to  the  above  we  offer  the  Nansemond  and  Southern  Queen  varieties. 

Prices  of  Sweet  Potato  Plants  delivered  in  May  or  June. 

Early  Peabody.— 25  cents  per  dozen;  75  cents  per  100  by  mail;  by  express  60  cents  per 
hundred,  $5.00  per  thousand. 

Nansemond.— 25  cents  per  dozen;  75  cents  per  hundred,  by  mail;  50  cents  per  hundred,  $4.00 
per  thousand,  packed,  by  express. 

Southern  Queen.— 25  cents  per  dozen;  75  cents  per  hundred  by  mail ;  50  cents  per  hundred, 
$5.00  per  thousand,  by  express. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


41 


Dioscorea  Batatas — Ohinese  Tain. 


^ 


Dioscorea  Batatas— Bulblets  froim  the  Axils  of  the  Leaves. 
One  of  the  most  valuable  esculents  in  cultivation,  though  but  little  known.  Stem  twelve  to 
twenty  feet  in  length,  of  rapid  growth,  of  creeping  or  climbing  habit,  fonning  an  excellent  cover- 
ing for  a  screen;  flowers  small,  white  in  elusteis;  leaves,  heart-shaped.  The  root  is  of  a  pale 
russet  color,  ob'ong,  regularly  rounded,  club-shaped,  largest  at  the  lowet-t  end.  Plant  eight 
inches  apart,  in  a  deep,  light  soil,  tolerably  rich,  and  thoroughly  stirred  two  feet  deep.  A  well 
grown  root,  two  years  from  the  bulblets,  will  measure  two  feet  in  lengtli, 
and  two  and  one-half  inches  in  its  broadest  diameter,  and  is  quite  hardy, 
remaining  in  the  ground  over  Winter  without  protection.  The  flesh  is 
remarkably  white,  and  very  mucilaginous  in  its  crude  state.  They  may 
be  boiled  or  roasted,  and  when  cooked  possess  a  rich-like  taste;  are 
quite  farinaceous,  nutritive,  and  valuable  for  food.  It  is  also  a  very  de- 
sirable climbing  plant,  suitable  for  covering  screens,  arbors,  and  un- 
sightly places. 

Extract  from  a  letter  in  the  Rural  27eio  Yorker  from  a  correspondent 
who  has  cultivated  this  plant  for  many  years. 

"  The  Chinese  Yam  possesses  merits  that  should  commend  it  to  the 
agricultural  classes  of  the  United  States,  yet  there  arc  many  who  don't 
even  know  that  it  is  grown  in  this  country,  although  it  is  more  than 
twenty  years  since  its  introduction  here,  from  China.  The  difficulty  all 
new  beginnei  s  have  to  contend  with  in  the  culture  of  this  esculent,  is  a 
proper  understanding  of  its  wants.  I  have  grown  them  for  twelve  or 
fifteen  years,  and  will  give  the  leaders  of  the  Rdeal  the  benefit  of  my 
experience : 

In  the  first  place,  select  a  soil  that  is  moderately  dry,  deep  and  rich, 
and  prepare  it  by  spading  or  plowing  deeply:  then  plant  the  bulblets 
eight  inches  apart  each  way.  When  the  large  roots  are  used  for  planting 
they  should  be  cut  up  in  pieces  about  one  inch  in  length.  They  will  pro- 
duce much  stronger  roots  than  those  grown  from  the  bulblets.  They  will 
need  to  be  cultivated  a  few  times  the  first  year,  to  keep  weeds  down  and 
soil  loose.  After  the  first  year,  keep  the  w^eds  hied  off  or  mowed  down, 
as  j-ou  prefer.  The  Yams  are  perfectly  hardy,  siandingin  the  ground 
all  Whiter  and  growing  again  when  Spring  comes,  increasing  In  size  for 
a  nunibe  of  years.  They  increase  naturally  from  the  small  tubers  that 
growon  the  vines  just  above  each  leaf.  These  should  be  saved  in  the  Fall, 
and  kept  during  Winter  where  they  will  not  freeze,  as  freezing  injures 
eir  growth,  and  planted  in  the  Spring  as  soon  as  the  ground  gets  warm. 
«"\.\>1L  As  to  the  product  per  acre,  in  the  best  of  soil,  with  three  years* 

owth  and  tubers  planted  eight  inches  apart  each  way,  we  could  safely 
calculate  on  getting  si.x  and  a  quarter  tons  of  Yams  per  acre.    Some  may 
think  this  a  large  yield,  but  I  believe  it  is  not  as  large  as  I  should  put  it, 
and  think  it  is  not  an  overestimate.    I  have  only  cultivated  them  on  a 
'  small  scale,  but  have  come  to  the  above  conclusion  with  regard  to  their 
productiveness.    A  few  years  ago,  I  was  digging  in  an  old  bed  of  them 
where  they  had  been  left  to  grow  for  several  years,  and  such  a  sight! 
The  ground  was  literally  full  of  roots,  measuring  one  and  a  half  to  two 
DioscoRE.i  Batatas,  feet  in  length,  and  one  and  a  half  to  two  inches  in  diameter  at  the 
Chinese  Yam— One    largest  end,  and  this  too  where  the  soil  was  not  more  than  eight  or  ten 
Year  Old  Root.  inches  deep. 

They  grow  in  a  perpendicular  position  with  the  ]arg»  end  downwards.  The  vines  are  orna- 
mental, having  heart  shaped  leaves  edged  with  scarlet  and  are  very  pretty.  A  few  tubers  jilanted 
near  a  door  or  wiiidnw  and  the  vines  trained  over  and  about  it,  make  an  ornament  worthy  the 
admiration  of  all.  The  flowers  are  numerous  and  have  a  cinnamon  fragrance,  but  the  vines  do 
not  bloom  until  the  roots  are  two  years  old.  In  garden  culture  I  let  the  vines  run  on  the  ground, 
except  those  I  wish  to  save  tubers  from  for  seeds.  These  I  set  stakes  or  poles  to,  as  I  think  by 
this  method  the  tubers  are  produced  in  greater  abundance  and  of  l.irge  size. 


M 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


There  is  scarcely  any  diflference  perceptible  to  the  taste  between  the  Chinese  Yam,  when 
properly  cooked,  and  the  Irish  potato,  although  the  Yam  is  much  whiter  and  somewhat  liner 
grained. 

Some  object  to  growing  them  on  account  of  the  great  depth  to  which  the  roots  penetrate. 
But  to  those  I  find  no  difficulty.  I  commence  digging  at  the  end  of  a  row,  take  out  what  1  want, 
and  leave  the  hole  open.  Ttie  next  time  I  dig  i  commence  where  I  left  off,  and  throw  the  dirt 
where  I  dug  before ;  by  this  way  I  have  the  soil  stirred  so  deep  that  it  is  in  line  condition  for 
planting  out  more  tiibers. 

They  have  no  insect  enemy,  and  drought  affects  them  but  very  little,  as  they  root  so  deeply. 
There  is  no  necessity  for  their  beingdug  at  any  time  of  the  year,  except  when  wanted  for  immedi- 
ate use.  They  are  suitable  for  cooking  any  time  in  tlie  year.  A  person  can  plant  enough  at  one 
planting  to  do  his  family  for  years,  each  year  bringing  him  larger  Yams.  I  consider  them  safer 
to  depend  on  than  the  Irish  potato,  which  has  its  enemies,  and  is  so  sensitive  to  a  little  freeze. 

I  believe  their  proper  cultivation  would  be  attended  with  success  anywhere  in  the  United  States. 
If  the  masses  of  the  people  better  understood  their  nature  and  were  better  acquainted  with  their 
many  fine  qu  ilities,  they  would  be  more  generally  grown.  In  conclusion  I  will  say  that  they  are 
the  most  profitable  crop  that  I  cultivate. 

Small  bulblets,  which  form  roots  about  a  foot  in  length,  in  one  year,  in  packets  of  one  dozen, 
25  cents.    Five  dozen,  fl.OO.    One  year  old  roots  $2  OJ  per  dozen;  $12.50  per  100, 


J.  L.  Triie's  Improved  Potato  Planter. 

This  Machine  will  cut  the  Potato  and  Plant  Six  Acres  in  Ten  Hours. 

"We  invite  the  attention  of  the  farming  community  to  this  machine,  which  is  beyond  doubt 
one  of  the  greatest  and  most  successful  labor-saving  machines  of  the  age. 

Having  been  submitted  to  thorough 
practical  tests  on  all  kinds  of  soil,  in  this 
country  and  in  Europe,  we  offer  it  to  far- 
mers for  the  season  of  1878,  with  entire 
confidence  in  its  ability  to  do  the  work  in- 
tended for  it,  in  a  thorough  and  proper 
manner. 

No  intelligent  farmer  can  fail  to  see 
that  an  implement  with  which  a  man  can, 
with  the  aid  of  a  horse,  cut  the  potatoes, 
and  plant  six  acres  in  one  day,  doing  the 
work  in  many  respects  better  than  it  is 

usually  done  by  hand,  is  of  inestimable  value. 

The  Machine  is  very  simple  in  construction,  and  its  arrangement  is  such  as  to  render  it  very 
easy  to  operate. 

The  Hopper  holds  about  one  bushel  of  potatoes. 

The  knife  is  placed  in  such  a  relative  position  to  the  seed-boxes  that  the  potatoes  are  cut  into 
pieces  of  such  a  size  and  shape  as  to  render  it  almost  impossible  for  any  to  drop  without  eyes  on 
them. 

The  potatoes  drop  throrigh  the  plow,  the  back  of  which  being  open,  the  operator  can  see  each 
piece  as  it  falls,  and  they  are  still  exposed  to  his  view  for  some  distance  as  they  lay  in  the  furrow, 
before  the  coverers  reach  and  cover  them,  thus  affording  him  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  the 
work  is  being  well  done. 

Gauge  rings  are  provided  for  diminishing  the  size  of  the  seed-boxes,  when  planting  different 
sizes  of  p  it  does  separately. 

Any  kind  of  dry,  concentrated  fertilizer  may  be  dropped  with  the  potato  in  such  quantities 
as  may  bo  desired. 

1'he  Plow  and  Coverers  can  be  adjusted  to  cover  the  potatoes  in  a  most  satisfactory  manner, 
at  any  depth  desired. 

The  drive  wheels  mark  the  rows,  which  can  be  made  as  far  apart  as  tho  fanner  chooses,  while 
the  seed  is  dropped  9,  18,  or  36  inches  apart  in  the  rows. 

Prices  of  Machines  on  cars  in  New  York  : 

No.  1— Miichine  with  Fertilizer  Attachment,  comidete  (drops  9,  18  or  36  inches  apart),    .f40  00 

-No.  1— Without  Feitilizer  Attachment,  37  00 

No.  2— Machine  has  no  Fertilizer  Attachment,  and  drops  18  or  36  inches  apart,         -       30  00 

Steel  Covers,  extra,  --.-.--.-.---         2  00 


B.  K.  BJLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE.  43 


Antidote  for  Colorado  Potato  Beetle. 


From  a  treatise  on  the  "  Pest  and  its  Remedy,"  published  by  C.  T.  Reynolds  &  Co. 

New  York. 

The  resistless  progress  of  that  dreaded  pest,  the  Colorado  Potato  Beetle,  has  for  several  years 
past  been  watched  with  anxiety  and  alarm  by  the  farmers  of  the  Middle  and  Eastern  Slates.  It 
was  foreseen  that  it  would  eventually  make  its  way  north  and  east,  and  the  appearance  of  tliis 
farmer's  enemy  in  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  and  portions  of  New  England,  last  Summer,  leaves 
but  little  room  to  doubt  that  the  bug  will  be  out  in  full  force  this  coming  season,  and  rapidly 
extend  its  ravages.  In  fact,  we  consider  its  crossing  the  ocean  itself  and  becoming  naturalized 
in  the  old  world,  as  merely  a  question  of  time.  Already  several  of  the  European  governments 
have  taken  the  alarm,  and  fully  alive  to  the  magnitude  of  the  danger  with  which  they  are  threat- 
ened, have  endeavored  to  forestall  it  by  prohibiting  the  importation  into  their  dominions  of 
American  potatoes  from  the  district  devastated  by  the  bug.  Whether  this  measure  will  prove 
effectual  in  warding  off  the  evil  from  their  shores  remains  to  be  seen,  we  believe  it  will  not. 

ITS  GREAT  PROLIFICACY. 

The  Colorado  beetle  propagates  itself  with  astonishing  rapidity;  several  broods  (at  least 
three)  following  each  other  in  the  course  of  the  year.  The  first  batch  of  larvae  makes  its  appear- 
ance towards  theend  of  May,  and  sometimes  even  in  April,  if  the  weather  be  warm.  Eachfeniale 
lays  from  700  to  1200  eggs,  in  clusters  of  twelve  or  thirteen,  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaves.  In 
about  six  days  the  larvae  are  hatched,  and  immediately  begin  the  work  of  devastation,  which 
continues  for  about  nineteen  days.  They  then  descend  to  the  ground,  where  they  are  transformed 
into  puppe,  at  the  surface  of  the  earth.  The  perfect  beetle  appears  in  ten  to  fourteen  days  after 
the  pupae  is  formed— begins  to  pair  in  about  a  week,  and  on  the  fourteenth  day  commences  to  de- 
posit her  eggs. 

THE  VORACITY  OF  THE  BEETLE, 

especially  in  its  larval  condition,  is  truly  marvellous.  "When  once  a  field  of  potatoes  has  been 
attacked,  unless  very  prompt  remedial  measures  are  resorted  to,  all  hopes  of  a  harvest  will 
speedily  vanish,  as  in  a  very  few  days  nothing  will  remain  but  a  barren  waste  of  dried-up  stalks. 

VARIOUS  PLANS 

for  the  desti;uction  of  the  Colorado  potato  beetle  have  from  time  to  time  been  devised,  very  few 
ot  them  have  proved  satisfactory,  however,  while  many  of  them  were  wholly  impracticable. 
Picking  the  larvse  and  bugs  from  off  the  plants  by  hand,  for  instance,  has  been  thoroughly  tried 
but  leaving  out  of  the  question  the  great  loss  of  time  this  plan  involves,  and  the  danger  of  poison- 
ing from  handling  the  larvae,  it  was  generally  found  that  after  the  field  had  been  thus  gone  over, 
the  insects  would  be  apparently  as  numerous  as  ever  in  twenty-four  hours,  so  that  the  operation 
had  to  be  constantly  repeated ! 

PARIS  GREEN  THE  TRUE  REMEDY, 

is  the  general  verdict  of  the  Western  farmer.  This  is  not  only  the  case  with  respect  to  efficacy, 
but  it  has  also  the  additional  merit  of  being  the  cheapest  in  first  cost,  and  the  most  convenient 
and  economical  in  use  of  all  theremedies  that  have  been  tried.  When  first  proposed  as  an  anti- 
dote, some  seven  or  eight  years  ago,  Paris  Green  met  with  considerable  opposition,  but  its 
triumphant  success  has  overcome  nearly  all  prejudice,  and  while  some  still  hesitate  to  resort  to 
so  virulent  a  poison,  experience  has  demonstrated  that  with  due  care  no  harm  can  result  from  its 
use,  as  it  will  not  poison  the  soil  or  injure  the  plant  or  the  Potato. 

Prof.  Charles  V.  Riley,  State  Entomologist  of  Missouri,  in  his  fourth  annual  report 
referring  to  Paris  Green,  says:  " Properly  mixed  T  have  used  it  without  the  slightest  trace  cf 
evil  on  the  leaves  or  tubers;  and  I  know  hundreds  of  others  who  have  done  lil<ewise;  so  that 
with  present  experience  I  should  not  hesitate  to  recommend  its  judicious  use."  In  this  connec- 
tion we  take  occasion  to  acknowledge  our  indebtedness  to  Prof.  Riley's  able  reports  for  much 
valuable  information.  We  also  refer  to  the  testimony  of  the  same  high  authority  to  Paris  Green 
as  "  THE  remedy  for  iho  Colorado  potato  beetle." 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUK. 


MODES   OF   APPIilCATION. 

In  its  application  tlie  Western  farmers  generally  use  Paris  green  dry,  and  as  it  is  a  higbly 
concuntr.ited  poison  it  is  necessary  to  mix  it  witli  some  other  substance,  such  as  flour,  plaster,  or 
ashes,  in  proportion  varying  with  the  strength  of  the  green,  and  thus  reducing  its  cost.  We 
give  the  preference  to  flour  as  a  vehicle,  as  combining  with  the  dew  on  the  plant,  it  forms  a 
paste  which  adheres  with  greater  tenacity  than  either  plaster  or  ashes.  Another  method  is  by 
mixing  witli  water,  say  a  large  tablespoonful  of  green  to  a  pailful  of  water.  This  is  in  some 
respects  a  convenient  way,  and  has  the  advantage  of  being  free  from  dust;  it  can  also  be  used  at 
any  time  of  day.  It  has  some  disadvantages,  however  :  1st,  as  the  green  is  not  soluble— though 
it  quickly  gives  a  green  tint  to  the  water  when  stirred,  it  soon  settles  to  the  bottom,  and  needs 
continual  agitation  to  keep  it  in  suspension.  2d.  It  settles  in  spots  on  ^/ie /eayes,  the  natural 
tendency  of  water  in  finding  its  level  being  to  carry  and  concentrate  in  wherever  a  drop  finds 
rest  and  evaporates.    3d.    Much  of  it  is  wasted  on  the  ground  in  sprinkling. 

THE    UNPARALI.EI.ED   DEMAND  FOR    PARIS    GREEN, 
caused  by  the  rapidity  with  which  the  Colorado  beetle  has  overrun  the  country,  has  greatly 
stimulated  its  production  ;  and,  as  usual  in  such  cases,  the  market  is  flooded  with  various  brands, 
representing  all  grades,  from  the  strictly  pure  down  to  the  highly  adulterated  article  of  merely 
nominal  strength  and  value.    There  are  several  qualities  manufactured,  in  order  to  meet  the 
views  and  conveniences  of  all  who  are  compelled  to  resort  to  its  use. 
PROPORTIONS    FOR   MIXING. 
To  those  who  have  suitable  appliances  for  mixing,  we  recommend  the  "  strictly  pure,"  but 
where  these  are  wanting,  and  it  is  an  object  to  avoid  much  mixing,  on  account  of  the  danger 
arising  from  the  dust  (and  this  is  the  greatest  danger  attending  its  use)  the  cheaper  grades  are 
more  desirable.    These,  of  course,  contain  more  or  less  adulteration,  but  the  price  is  made  to 
correspond,  and  the  buyer  has  but  comparatively  little  mixing  to  do.    The  following  are  the  pro- 
portions recommended  by  experienced  Western  farmers,  and  also  by  scientific  men  who  have 
arrived  at  the  same  conclusions  by  careful  experiment : 

To  1  lb.  "Strictly  Pure"  use  30  to  35  lbs.  Flour. 
1         "  Genuine "  use  25  to  30  '' 

1         "  King's  County  "  use  20  to  25  " 

1  "Long  Island"    use  15  to  20  " 

1  "  Montauk "  use  10  to  15  " 

Relatively  speaking,  the  "Genuine"  is  the  cheapest  to  use,  but  the  "Montauk"  has  the 
advantage  of  being  less  liable  to  poison  from  dusting. 

We  have  made  arrangements  with  the  manufacturers  of  the  above  to  furnish  our  patrons 
aX,  the  lowest  market  rates.  In  consequence  of  frequent  fluctuations,  we  do  not  publish  prices, 
but  will  give  prices  upon  application. 

We  have  on  hand  a  small  quantity  ready  for  use  for  those  who  wish  to  use  it  in  their  gardens 
in  one  pound  jjackages,  at  15  cents  each,  mixed  ready  for  use. 

There  is  gre:it  danger  in  mixing  this  green  for  potato  bug  and  cotton  worm  poison,  owing  to 
the  fine  dust  which  arises  in  the  process,  which  is  inhaled,  and  also  rapidly  absorbed  by  the  pores 
of  the  skin,  especially  if  tbe  person  using  it  should  be  in  a  state  of  perspiration.  To  guard 
against  this,  the  hands  and  face,  (particularly  the  nostrils)  should  be  protected  as  nmch  as  pos- 

sible,  and  should  be  carefully  washed  .ifter  working 

in  it,  or  in  any  of  the  preparations  of  wliicli 
it  is  an  ingredient.  As  it  penetrates  and  poisons 
woof?— gets  into  the  seams  and  crevices  of  arti- 
cles made  of  metal— and  even  into  earthenvvrare  that 
is  at  all  porous.  All  household  utensils,  or  anything 
in.  barn  or  stable  ('vi\\\(i\\  c&iWa  or  horses  could  have 
access  to)  in  which  the  article  may  have  been  mixed, 
or  from  which  it  has  been  used,  should  be  carefully 
set  aside,  and  never  again  used  for  any  other  purpose. 

APPARATUS  FOR   APPLYING. 

Several  ingenious  machines  have  been  invented 
for  applying  the  poison, — three  of  which  are  hero  illus- 
trated.   The  cheapest  and  most  simple  is  made  in 
tbe  form  of  a  common  dredging-box,  holding  about 
two  pounds  each,  and  is  attached  to  the  end  of  a 
pole,  as  seen  in  the  accompanying  engraving.    It  is 
J      used  by  gently  shaking  over  the  plants,  taking  care 
to  walk  to  windward,  so  as  to  avoid  any  dust  that 
may  arise.    It  should  be  applied  in  the   morning, 
^s^  when  the  dew  is  on  the  vines.     When  mixed  with 
'""^  water,  it  is  usually  applied  by  means  of  an  ordinary 
watering-pot,  or  sprinkled  on  the  vines  with  a  broom, 
s  taking  care  to  keep  it  well  stirred.      Price,  35  cents 
=^^=^  each. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


Ranclolpli^s  Fertilizer  Distributor. 

A  Dropper  for  all  Hill  Crops,  such  as  Corn,  Potatoes,  Tobacco,  Cotton,  Etc. 

THE  liATEST  AND  BEST  THING  OUT.     SOMETHING  THAT  KO  EARMEE 

CAN  AFFORD  TO  BE  WITHOUT. 

For  dropping  Phospliates,  Bone  Dust,  Fish  and  Peruvian  Guano,  Poudrette,  Ashes, 

Plaster,  and  all  kinds  of  Concentrated  Fertilizers. 

The  manner  of  using  the  dropper  will  be  readily  un- 
derstood from  an  inspection  of  the  cut. 

The  sack  G,  having  been  filled  with  the  fertilizer,  is 
attached  to  the  person  by  passing  the  adjustable  strap 
E,  over  the  shoulder  as  shown.  The  handle  O  of  the 
connecting  shoot  S  is  then  held  by  the  left  hand,  and 
the  handle  H  of  the  plunger  J.  by  ihe  right,  unless  the 
person  is  lelt-handed,  in  which  case  the  arrangement 
is  just  the  reverse,  the  dropper  being  adapted  for  use  in 
eillier  way. 

When  thus  arranged,  tlie  operator  walks  over  the 
field,  and  as  he  wmII^s,  places  the  ball  step  F  of  the 
dropper,  successively,  upon  the  spots  which  he  has  se- 
lected for  planting,  and  as  the  plunger  J,  being  unsup- 
ported, is  nece.-ssarily  depressed  at  each  rest  of  the  im- 
plement, a  charge  of  fertilizer  will  be  deposited  in  a 
circle  about  each  hill,  its  quantity  being  determined  by 
the  previous  adjustment  of  tlie  valves  {.'.,  0. 

It  will  thus  lie  seen  that  the  implement  is  used  after 
the  maimer  of  a  cane,  it  being  operated  by  simply 
swinging  it  from  hill  tn  hill,  no  exercise  of  care  or  judg- 
ment being  required  other  tlian  to  select  the  spots  upon 
which  forest  its  step  F.  For  windy  weather  a  detachable  skirt  (not  shown  in  ihe  cuti  is  provided 
which  ensures  the  accurate  placing  of  the  fertilizer  in  any  required  circle  evtn  under  such  unfa- 
vorable circumstances. 

SPECIAL  ADVANTAGES. 

It  is  no*-  necessary  to  touch  the  fertilizer  with  the  hands,  a  matter  of  some  importance,  when 
caustic  SMbsfinces  are  used. 

The  fertilizer  will  not  stu-k  or  clog,  even  though  it  be  damp  and  has  a  tendency  to  pack,  the  vi- 
brating hopper  being  so  effective  in  its  opeiation,  that  nothing  suitable  for  use,  can  withstand  its 
Hction. 

Ttie  quantity  sown  maybe  determined  to  a  nicety,  hv  properly  adjusting  the  valves  upon  the 
plungei,  so  tliMt  every  hill  in  the  field  may  be  supplied  with  a  uniform  amount. 

The  entire  quantity  betvi'een  the  valves  is  always  discharged;  the  construction  of  the  lower 
valve  with  its  conical  surface,  and  the  ;iction  of  tlie  plunger,  which  is  suddenly  arrested  at  a  limit 
of  its  movement  by  a  stop,  serving  to  ensure  this  result. 

The  amount  delivered  is  accurately  (ieposite<l  in  a  circle  about  the  planting  spot  or  hill,  no 
more  being  delivered  upon  one  side  than  another,  and  the  center  of  tlu;  hill  covered  by  the  ball 
step  being,  of  course,  witliont  .any  deposit,  these  being  the  precise  conditions  desired  in  using 
concentrated  fertilizers.  These  effective  results,  also,  can  be  obtained  in  windy  weather,  by  using 
the  protecting  skirt. 

.For  many  other  recommendations,  and  a  more  complete  description— send  for  circular.  Price, 
<S5.00  each.    A  liberal  discount  to  agents. 


Allen's  Potato  Bug  Destroyer. 

Allen's  Potato  Bug  Destroyer,  sent  out  late  last  Sum- 
mer, has  been  greatly  imiiroved,  and  will  be  found  efficient, 
handy  and  inexpensive,  and  an  important  acquisition  where 
the  potato  beetle  is  either  establi.-hed  or  expected.  It  is 
especially  contrived  for  the  iiurpnse  of  quickly  and  econom- 
ically throwing  a  mixture  of  Paris  Green  and  Flour,  or 
other  destructive  conipiiund  in  a  penetrating  cloud,  among 
Potato  and  other  plants,  and  upon  buslies,  vines  and 
trees,  to  destroy  Bugs,  Fleas,  Worms.  Slugs,  Caterpillars,  etc. 
It  consists  of  a  peculiarly  constructed  double  coned 
reservoir,  readily  filled,  au'l  by  means  of  bellows,  capable 
of  tlirowing  either  a  jet  or  cloud  of  fine  powder,  thoroughly 
dusting  a  row  of. potatoes  or  other  \tldnls  ai  the  $]}ee(l  of  a 
walk.  It  is  also  especially  effective  for  Pear  and  Eose 
SlUi.'s,  Cotton  Worms,  Plant  Lice  ami  other  insects. 

Paris  Green,  before  use,  should  be  carefully  mixed  with 
five  or  six  times  its  weight  of  dry  flour  or  plaster  \  the  quan- 
tity applied  being  easily  regulated  by  the  quantity  of  flour 
added, 
the  Planet,  Jr.  PoiairBTeUe'i^oyer.    ^-    Tliough  the  Powder  is  a  dangerous  poison,  this  machine 
.,  .  ,       B,k««sBw    i/oowgjrisr.    discharges  rt<  SO  (/rea<  rt  (/i.s?<i?(c<;  from  the  hands  and  face, 
fis  with  reasonable  care  to  make  itsuse  (ntin-lii  saff.    It  is  desirable  to  apply  in  the  early  morn- 
ing, the  dew  then  forming  a  paste,  and  that  tinie  being  less  windy.    Price,  $3.00. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


HEXAMER'S   PRONG   HOE. 

The  Best  Hand  Potato  JDigger  in  Use> 


^S)' 


Hexamer's    Prong   Hoe 
(Trade  Mark) 

The  highest  premium  in  the  Horticultural  Department  of  the  Great  American  Institute 
Fair  of  1867,  was  awarded  to  it.  The  Amarican  Agriculturist,  in  speaking  of  this  implement, 
gives  it  the  following  favorable  notice : 

Hexamer's  Prong  Hob.— Dr.  Hexamer,  the  well-known  Horticulturist,  has  such  a  way 
of  making  his  investigations  and  coining  at  his  facts,  that  we  accept  his  results  with  almost  the 
same  confidence  we  would  have  in  our  own.  He  makes  use  of  expensive  labor,  and  the 
monthly  pay-roll  is  so  large  as  to  lead  him  to  employ  his  men  to  the  very  best  advantage.  The 
problem  was  what  tool  to  place  in  the  hands  of  the  laborers  for  hoeing  out  between  rows  of  straw- 
berries or  other  small  fruits,  root  crops,  nursery  stock,  etc.  The  common  hoe  is  a  slow,  hard, 
old-fogy  tool,  and,  of  course,  its  use  is  out  of  the  question.  The  potato  hook,  or  pronged  hoe 
with  round  prongs,  good,  but  not  sufficiently  rapid  for  the  outlay  of  strength,  yet  vastly  superior 
to  the  hoe  for  the  same  purposes,  except  after  weeds  have  grown  large,  wliich  ought  rarely  or 
never  to  occur.  After  having  made  numerous  experiments  with  tools  made  expressly  for  him, 
lie  (iHc.iiled  upon  this  implement.  The  six  teeth  or  prongs  are  eight  inches  in  length,  the  outer 
ones  being  ten  inches  apart,  which  is  the  width  of  the  actual  cut.  Tbe  prongs  are  square,  of  the 
best  steel',  and  inserted  in  pairs  into  a  malleable  iron  head,  in  which  they  are  firmly  wedged. 
They  are  delicate,  but  very  strong  and  elastic. 

It  stirs  the  soil  thoroughly,  inore  than  a  foot  wide,  and  from  two  to  four  inches  deep,  killing 
all  smnll  weeds,  lifting  out  stonesof  small  size,  removing  weeds  and  all  obstructions  as  effectually 
as  a  rake.  On  light  soil  it  is  as  easily  worked  as  a  hoe,  and  on  heavy  soils,  if  diy  enough  to  work 
at  all,  very  much  easier.  It  is  sufe  to  sny  that  a  man.  with  one  of  these,  can  do  several  times  as 
much  work  as  with  a  hoe.  We  think  it  will  prove  more  useful  as  a  potato  digger  on  account  of 
its  breadth,  than  the  implement  made  for  the  purpose. 

PRICE,— $1.50  each;  $15.00 per  dozen. 


Allen's  Potato  Digging  Plow. 

This  implement 
weighs  one  hundred 
pounds,  and  is  of  very 
light  draft.  A  pair  of 
small  horses  or  oxen, 
with  a  boy  to  drive 
will  easily  dig  potatoes 
as  fast  as  twenty  men 
can  pick  up.  It  turns 
them  out  so  cleanly 
that  scarcely  one  bush- 
el in  fifty,  whether 
small  or  large,  is  left 
•uncovered. 

The  standard  is 
high,  so  as  to  allow  of 
Allen's  Potato  Digging  Plow.  its  working  freely,  with- 

out clogging  from  weeds  and  potato  vines,  but  in  harvesting  for  an  early  market,  when  the  vines 
are  long  and  still  green,  the  work  will  be  much  facilitated  by  cutting  these  and  removing  them 
from  the  rows. 

Price  of  Potato  Plow,  with  cast-iron  Mould  and  Share,  $15.00.    The  same,  with  steel  Mould 
and  Share,  $25.00. 

TliG  Planet  Horse  Hoe  and  Cultivator. 

This  is  a  new  and  most  perfect  tool  for  horse  cultivation.    It  .is  especially  adapted  to  market 
garden  and  farm-hoed  crops,  and  to  working  Tobacco,  Broom- Corn   Cotton,  htce  and  Uoots.    it 
greatly  reduces  tbe  labor  of  honng,  often  thus  saving  cost  in  a  day.     Blades  tempered  and 
polished  steel.    Price,  .*  ivi.OO.     With  extra  cross-piece  and  pair  ot  hoes,  $15.00. 
«  Planet  No.  3.— A  Fertilizer  sower.     Price,  $16.75.  „  „   ^        .   x-         -.^^in^ 

■  Complete  directions  for  use  accompany  each  machine.    Send  for  a  full  descriptive  circular, 
with  cuts  of  each  implement  and  testimonials. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


IMPORTANT  TO  WHEAT  GROWERS. 

PRINGIiE'S  NEW  HYBRID  SPRING  WHEATS. 

We  take  much  pleasure  in  announcing  two  new  and  di!«tinct  varieties  of  Spring  Whent, 

produced  iii  1870  and  1871  by  Mr.  Pringle  of  Veruioni,  whose  skill  and  judgment  as  a  hjbiidizer 
of  Oere^ils  and  Potatoes  have  already  won  forhiai  a  world  wide  reputation.  Alter  a  caieful  trial 
of  six  years,  we  now  offer  these  varieties  to  the  public,  having  entire  confidence  in  their  superi- 
ority over  all  others,  feeling  assured  that  they  will  prove  to  be  valuable  acquisitions  to  the  wheat 
growers  of  the  country. 

CHAMPLAIN 

Was  produced  in  1870  by  Mr.  Pringle,  in  his  endeavors  to  unite  the  remarkable  hardiness 
of  the  IJlack  Sea  with  the  line  and  superior  quality  of  the  Golden  Drop.  Several  varitrlies 
were  the  result  of  this  hybridization,  from  which  this  one  was  chosen,  as  realizing  llie  end 
liLview,  showing  greaily  increased  vigor  and  productiveness  over  both  its  parents.  A  caielul  se- 
lection from  this  tor  the  past  seven  years,  has  now  fully  estalilished  its  character,  and  we  have  a 
wheat  bearded  like  the  Ulack  Sea,  with  the  white  chaff  of  the  Golden  Drop,  free  Ironi  rust  and 
smut,  yielding  a  lighter  colored  grain  than  the  former,  which  makes  a  flour  of  sv2>erior  quality. 
Its  strong  and  vigorous  straw,  giowiTig  6  to  12  inches  higher  than  its  parent,  varieties,  stands  erect, 
frequenily  bearing,  even  in  very  ordinary  culture,  heads  from  5  to  ti  inches  in  length,  containing 
from  GO  to  75  kernels  each. 

We  coiitidenlly  recommend  this  new  wheat  as  among  the  earliest,  promising  to  give  the  grow- 
ers of  this  most  impiirtant  crop  better  results  than  are  produced  l>y  the  old  und  "  run  out "  vari- 
eties now  sown.    Price,  $1.00  i>er  lb;  3  lbs.,  §2.50,  by  mail  post-paid ;  ptck,  $9.00. 

DEFIANCE. 

Another  variety  of  Spring  Wheat  of  the  highest  promise,  the  result  of  a  series  of  experiments 
bv  Mr.  Pringle  in  1871.  to  incorporate  sup^^rior  qualities  upon  the  hardy  stock  of  our  common 
CI  lb  Wheat,  by  hybridizing  it  with  one  of  the  finest,  whitest,  and  most  extensively  grown  sorts 
of  the  Pacific  Coast 

This  variety  displays  great  productiveness,  vigor  and  hardiness.  It  is  a  beardless,  white  chaff 
wheat,  with  bends  frequently  five  to  six  inches  long,  very  closely  set  with  large  while  kernels, 
frequently  numbering  75  to  80  to  the  single  head  Its  wliite,  stiff,  erect  straw,  exempt  fiom  the 
attack  of  rust,  its  earliness  combined  with  great  vigor  and  supeiior  qualities,  should  claim  for  it 
universal  trial.    Price,  ^i.QQ per  lb.;  3  lb.,  $2.50,  by  mail  post-paid. 

$250.00  in  Premmms.* 

In  order  to  induce  Wheat  Grower.'?  to  give  these  new  sorts  a  thorough  and  universal  trial,  we 
offer  $350.00  in  preiniuius  for  the  lari^est  quantifies  giown  f  lom  one  pound  of  seed  purchased 
from  us.     Parties  will  please  st.ite  in  their  order  that  they  desire  to  compete  lor  these  premiums. 
For  tlie  larg.'st  quantiiy  of  Champlain  Wheat  grown  liom  one  pound  of  seed,      -        -      $50  00 
For  the  second  largest  quantity,       ------------25  00 

For  the  third  largest  quantity,  -_.---_--...        15  yo 

For  the  fourth  largest  quantity,        ---------        ---10  00 

For  the  larijest  quantity  of  Defiance  Wheat  grown  from  one  pound  of  seed,  -       -        -       50  00 
For  the  second  largest  quantity,       ------------25  00 

For  the  third  larger^c  quantity."         ------------        15  OO 

For  the  fourth  largest  quantity,       ------------looo 

We  also  offer  additional  premiums  of  $50.00  for  the  best  20  heads  of  either  of  the  above  vari- 
ities  as  follows,  SiC-.OO  for  each  variety. 

For  the  best  20  heads  of  Cliamplain,    ---------.-$10  00 

For  the  second  best  20  bends,    -------------  700 

For  the  third  best  20  lieads.       ---.--.--.-.-  500 

For  the  fourth  best  20  head.'*,     -------------  300 

For  the  best  20  heads  of  Heflance,  --------        ---]0  00 

For  the  second  best  20  heads,   -------------  70O 

For  the  tliird  best  20  heads,       ------.---_._  50O 

For  the  fourth  best  20  he  tds,    -------------  3  00 

Competitors  for  the  prizes  will  be  required  to  give  the  date  on  which  thpy  gave  their  order  for 
the  wheat,  date  of  sowing,  tini-)  of  harvesting,  with  a  written  statement  of  their  mode  of  culture, 
characteii.stics  't  ilie  soil, — wlietber  clay,  alluvial,  or  sandy  loam, — nature  of  the  subsoil, 
whether  under-drain  'd  or  not;  also,  the  kind  au'l  quantity  of  fertilizers  used,  how  and  wlien  ap- 
plied, with  the  weight  of  the  crop  when  harvested  and  cured,  which  must  be  witnessed  and 
sworn  to  before  a  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Notary,  or  any  one  competeiir  to  adml]ii.-<ter  the  oath,  and 
sent  to  our  address  before  the  Kirst  of  November,  1878.  The  awards  will  be  made  by  a  compe- 
tent committee  of  Agiiciilt.urists.  and  will  be  printed  and  a  copy  mailtd  to  each  comuetilur.  The 
prizes  will  be  paid  in  December,  1878. 

The  engravings  are  exact  representations  of  some  of  the  heads  grown  with  ordinary  farm 
culture. 

Compptitors  for  the  premitims  for  the  best  heads  of  wheat  must  deliver  them  at  our  office,  34 
Barclay  street.  New  York,  (all  chnrges  prepaidi,  previous  to  the  liitb  of  September,  1878.  The 
straw  must  be  cut  not  less  than  eight  inches  in  length  exclusive  of  the  heads,  and  carefully 
packed  to  prevent  in.iiuy  in  the  transpoitation.  ihev  can  be  sent  by  mail  or  e-x.press prepniil,  at 
the  option  of  the  grower.     If  sent  by  mail,  they  should  be  boxed  in  a  light  wooden  or  a  stiff  paste- 


*Circulars  explaining  the  mode  of  awarding  the  Premiums  for  the  largest  quality  grown  from 
one  pound  mailed  to  applicants. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SOXS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


board  box,  the  cover  of  which  must  be  secured  by  stronc;  twine,  and  not  nailed  or  fastened  in  any 
wayt')  jjieveiit  Uie  examination  of  tlie  parcels  Ml  the  New  York  poftottice.  No  writing  of  any 
kind  must  be  enclosad  in  the  packages,  as  in  tliat  rase  letter  postage  would  be  charged  on  the 
whole  package,  and  wouhl  not  be  taken  froni  the  office.  The  name  fi  the  j-ender  must  be  written 
ou  the  outside  of  the  package,  with  our  addi  ess.  Notify  us  by  letter  when  the  wheat  is  sent.  All 
tliose  who  wish  their  samples  returned,  in  the  event  of  their  not  receiving  a  piemium.  must  en- 
close in  iliL'ir  letter  at  the  lime  of  sending  the  hrads  a  sum  sufficient  to  pay  return  charges; 
otherwise  the  wheat  will  not  be  returned.     The  piemium  samples  will  be  letained  by  us. 

A  KEW  "WINTER  WHEAT. 

Arnold's  Victor  "Wheat.— This  wheat  is  the  ttnal  result  of  a  large  number  of  intercross- 
ings.  and  selections  of  the  best  varieties  grown  in  America.  After  (  aielully  <»j;peiimeiiting  for  a 
number  of  years,  it  is  claimed  that  a  variely  has  been  obtained  with  a  hartliness  in  resisting  the 
effects  of  a  Canadian  winter,  entirely  superior  lo  the  Diehl  when  grown  side  by  side,  and  subjected 
to  I  he  very  same 'Conditions.  One  bag,  containing  lull  lbs.,  $9.00.  One  bushel,  including  bag,  f  4.50. 
Oue  peck,  including  bag,  $1.50.    3  lbs.,  by  mail,  ?pl.OO. 

COMPTON'S  EAKLY  FIE  LB  CORN. 

This  corn,  which  has  made  such  a  sensation  in  agricultural  circles,  is  the  result  of  years  of  pa- 
tient elifo  it  by  one  of  our  rnoit  intelligent  experimenters.  Seeing  the  great  deterioration  of  the 
common  sorts,  and  compreheniling  the  magnitude  of  the  losses  frequently  sustained  in  conse- 
quence of  the  partial  or  total  destruction  of  ihe  crop  by  early  Autniiin  frosts,  he  instituted  a  series 
of  experiments  with  the  view  of  obtaining  a  liew  variety  in  which  extreme  earliness  and  sjreat  pro- 
ductiveness shoidd  be  combined.  A  large  plot  was  planted  wiih  seed  from  the  small  hnskless 
ears  sometimes  found  on  the  tops  or  blossom  branches.  Thri  kinds  so  obtained  proved  to  be  dif- 
ferent from  each  otiier,  and  each  distinct  from  any  known  variety.  One  stalk  on  which  were  lour 
fine  ears,  ripened  l)y  the  middle  of  August.  The  cro))  of  lliis  stalk  is  the  source  of  the  variety  of- 
fered. It  is  a  seedling  of  the  D.itton,  and  resembles  its  parent  S'  mewhat  in  appearance.  Stalks 
grow  eiirbt  to  ten  feet  in  higlit,  e.irs  Irom  ten  to  seventeen  inches  in  length,  well  filled  to  the 
end.     Kernel  medium,  bright  yellow  anil  of  the  flinty  order. 

This  variety  wis  sent  lo  all  parts  of  the  country  Ihe  past  season,  and  we  have  j'et  to  hear  one 
unsatisfactory  report.  All  who  have  tried  it  strongly  recommend  it.  It  is  an  acquisition  which 
farmers  cannot  fail  to  appreciate. 

Price,  one  pint,  bii  mall  prepaid,  50  cents  ;  oiie  quart,  by  mail  p'>epnid,  80  cenf.i ;  by  express, 
charges  to  6«  paid  bi/  pu,rch.x<er,  jyeck,  $2.50  ,•  bash.,  $8.00.  Select  ears,  by  mail,  25  cents  each  ;  by 
exijress,  $1.50  per  doa.  ,■  $8.00  per  100. 

WHITE  RUSSIAN  SPRING  AVHEAT. 

The  White  Russian  Wlieat  was  first  grown  in  this  country  in  Wisconsin.  It  was  increased^ 
from  a  small  quantity  received  from  Riissi  i,  and  has  been  known  as  the  While  Kussian.  although 
it  is  not  exac  ly  white,  but  is  of  mac  i  lighter  co^or  thun  most  varieties  of  Spring  Wheat. 

It  is  a  bald  while  chaff  wheat,  anil  h  is  provt-d  itself  to  be  one  of  the  best  Spiing  wheats  ever 
grown  in  Wisconsin.  Such  loiii.  straight,  strong,  healthy  yelUjw  straw,  bearing  large  long  white 
chart  heads,  well  filled  wiLh  pliimo  kernels,  weighing  oftentimes  from  60  to  61;  lbs.  to  the  meas- 
ured biisliel,  and  ttie  wheat  producing  5  to  10  bushels  more  per  acre  than  other  once  well  thought 
of  varieties  thit  are  now  fast  running  out,  as  all  wheat  does  after  being  sown  a  long  series  of 
years  under  tlie  influence  of  the  sani ;  soil  and  climate.  As  soon  as  it  can  begot  in  sufficient 
quiutity,  it  is  destined  to  crowd  out  to  a  grear,  extent  oiher  varietirs,  and  will  become  the  Staple 
Spring' WliPat  of  the  Unifed  States,  until  other  new  vaiieties  lake  its  place. 

Tiie  White  Iius-i.tu  Whear  stands  well  after  being  ripe,  and  is  not  liable  to  lodge  when  green, 
or  rust;  it  is  decidedly  a  healtliy  and  sure  crop  wheat,  that  has  in  many  cases  produced  a  full 
average  crop,  where  other  vaiieties  along  side  of  it  have  failed.  3  lbs.,  by  mail,  $1.00  ;  1  peck, 
$1.00.    1-2  6it67i,  $1.75;  1  6(ts/t.,  $3,00. 

GOLDEN  MILLET. 

Golden  Millet  is  of  extraordinary  value,  and  coming  into  great  favor  as  an  annual  hay  and 
fodder  crop.  It  is  mistakenly  called  German  IMillet,  whieh  is  a  very  indefinite  name  for  seed  im- 
ported from  Europe  under  this  n  una  proves  to  lie  the  Ponicum  miliaceum  or  common  Millet  of 
our  catalogues  and  persons  ordering  German  Millet  of  ordinary  seedsmen,  will  probably  get  .S'  ia- 
rla  Germaiilca.  or  Hungnriiu  grass.  Hence  Golden  Millet  is  the  only  definite  name,  for  no  other 
plant  bears  the  same.  The  experience  of  those  to  whom  we  sold  seed  last  year,  warrants  our 
speaking  of  it  in  the  highe.«t  terms. 

Prices:  fVe  can.  farnlih  the  .teed  at  the  follmoing  prices,  by  expre.is  or  freight,  charges  paid 
by  purchaser;  per  bushel,  $2.00;  per  ,'4  bushel,  60  cents;  by  mail  postage  pnjmid  by  w.5,  40  cents 
per  quart. 

KENNEY'S  EARLY    AMBER  SUGAR   CANE. 

In  this  variety  we  have  a  plant  that  is  destined  to  prove  of  immense  value  to  the  northern  por- 
tions of  our  country.  It  has  been  tested  in  Minnesota  ibr  several  years  past.  A  large  grower 
gives  the  following  statement  to  the  State  Commissioner: 

I  planted  a  piece  of  this  cane  this  year,  and  'the  27th  of  May,  on  new  land,  and  before  any 
frosts  it  w  I-  entirely  ripe.  Its  sacehnrine  qualities  are  of  the  first  order,  fine  and  rich,  and  its 
earliness  highlv  recommend  it  to  the  whole  countrv.  It  has  another  desirable  quality,  it  stands 
UK  well,  does  not  easily  blow  down,  usunllv  grows  eleven  and  twelve  feet  high  with  us.  When 
planted  between  the  first  and  tenth  of  May.  the  seed  almost  invariably  ripens,  thus  giving  one 
the  advantage  of  a  doulile  crop  in  one  vear.  from  one  phinling.  some  20  or  25  bushels  of  seed,  and 
150  or  more  ga'lons  of  fine  svnip  per  acre,  that  i-:.  if  it  is  i-killfully  handled.  All  kinds  of  farm 
stock  are  fond  of  the  seed;  when  ground  and  ndxed  with  bran  it  makes  a  good  heavy  feed  for 
horses;  hens  are  very  fond  of  the  seed,  and  I  believe  it  makes  them  produce  eggs  more  abun- 
dantly than  almost  any  other  kind  of  grain.  We  have  seen  sugar  produced  from  this  variety 
equal  to  the  best  coffee  sugars  in  the  market. 

By  mail,  75  cents  per  lb.     When  sent  by  express  at  the  expense  of  purchaser,  60  cents  per  lb. 


PRICE    LIST    OF 


&Sa 


No.  1   PERUVIAN  GUANO,   PUEE   BONE, 

es'  Comp 


Uncludin^  the  celehratod  Formulas  of  Prof .  Gqotccq  Ville., 


PEEPAKED   ET 


THE  MAPES'  FORMULA  AND  PERUVIAN  GUANO  CO. 

CASH  MUST  ACCOMPANY  ALL  ORDZRS  FOR  FERTILIZERS. 


The  following-  quotations  include  cartage,  except inff  -when  total  quantity  ordered  is  less  than  half  a 
ton,  then  add  fifty  cents  for  cartage. 


PERUVIAN  GUANO,  at  Gov't  Stores,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

]¥o.  1  PEKUVIAX  GUANO—"  Standard,"  or  "  Guanafe," 

Ammonia,  10  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  13  to  15 ;  Potash  2  to  3. 

Average  weight  of  Bags  ISO  lbs. 

No.  1  PEBUVIAN  GUANO—"  Lobos." 

Ammonia,  G  to  7  per  cent. ;  Phosphoric  Acid,  15  to  20 ;  Potash,  3  to  5. 

Average  weight  of  Bags  210  lbs. 

No.  1  PERUVIAN  GUANO— GuARAKTEED. 

Cargo  2}... Ammonia,  11.50;  Phosphoric  Acid,  17.10;  Potash,  2.30 Bags  200  lbs. 

Cargo  JP. .. .Ammonia,    G.30;  Phosphoric  Acid,  13.70;  Potash,  3.20 Bags  2C0  lbs. 

No.  1  PERUVIAN  GUANO— Eectified. 

Cargo Ammonia,    0.70;  Phosphoric  Acid,  14.25;  Potash,  2 Bags  200  lbs. 

Cargo Ammonia,     3.40;  Phosphoric  Acid,  16.90;  Potash,  3.40 Bags  2C0  lbs. 

No.  2  PERUVIAN  GUANO. 

Ammonia,  3  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  15;  Potash,  2 Bags  200  lbs. 

No  eliarge  for  Delivery  at  Croverninent  Stores,  at  Qroolilyii,  to  vessel. 

Ofla.cial  descriptive  Pamphlets  on  Peruvian  Guano  furnished  to  dealers,  with 
their  name  on  cover.  Liberal  concessions  made  to  manufacturers  and 
dealers,  from  even  the  official  price  list  of  the  Agents  of  the  Peruvian 
Government  , 

CHEIVIICALS,  FURNISHING  AMMONIA,  ETC. 

NITRATE  OF  SODA. 

STANDASD  05  per  cent.,  equal  to  19  percent.  Ammonia Bags lbs. 

SUIiPHATE  OF  AMMONIA p^s lbs. 

STANDAS,D  25  per  cent.  Ammonia i  Casks lbs. 


GROUND  DRIED  ESIiOOD— (Pure). 

GBADE  AA.. Ammonia,  14  to  15 Bag 


.lbs. 


GROUND  DRIED  FL.ESH-(Odorless). 

GRADE  AA.. Ammonia,  14X  to  15>^ Bags lbs. 

CASTOR  PUMACE— Ammonia Bags lbs. 

SULPHATE  OF  MAGNESIA. 

GRADE per  cent.  Sulphate  Magnesia Bags lbs. 

PL.ASTER,  Nova  Scotia— Very  finely  ground fBags  200  lbs. 

•  (Bbls.  250  lbs. 

All  Chemicals,  grades  of  Bone,  Formulas  of  Prof.  Ville,  Complete  and 
Special  Crop  Manures,  Super-Phosphates,  and  Potash  Salts,  sold  by  us 
subject  to  test  by  Prof.  Geo.  H.  Cook,  ISe-w  Jersey  State  Chemist ;  Prof. 
"W.  O.  Atwater,  Connecticut Exjjeriment  Station;  Dr.'Wm.  M.  Habirsha-w, 
Chemist  IS'e'wXork  State  Agricultural  Society. 


Per  Ton,    t.®*',"^'' 
3O00  lb«.'  p^errSSS'd 


56 

50 

3c. 

47 

50 

2Kc. 

Per 
300  IbH. 

70 

00 

$7.35 

66 

00 

5.90 

69 

00 

7.25 

51 

.00 

5.35 

38 

00 

4.00 

Single 

Package, 

Per  I'ourici. 


$75.00      43^c. 
90.00      5>ic. 

CO.  00      3c. 
50.00      3c. 

22.50*  l^c. 
8.00 


PRICE    LIST    OF    MANURES. 


PROF.  VILLE'S   FORMULAS. 

COMPliETE  MANUKE— (Ville  Formula)— Ready  Mixed. 

A  substitute  for  barn-yard  manure,  adapted  for  general  use,  especially  on 
light  or  sandy  ^olls,  or  those  deficient  in  potash. 
Ammonia,  7.69  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  5;  Potash,  7.59 , Bags  200  lbs. 

FOR  OXIONS  and  Vegetables— fTse  the  above  Complete  Manure. 

TUKNIP  MANURE— {Ville  Tormula)— Ready  Mixed. 

Ammonia,  2.53  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  7.50;  Potash,  ?-58 Bags  200  lbs. 

POTATO  MANURE— (Ville  Pormula)— Ready  Mixed. 

Ammonia,  4.50  per  cunt.;   Phosphoric  Acid,  5.97;   Potash,  13.64 Bags  200  lbs. 

These  formulas  are  no-w  furnished  by  us  at  the  above  quoted  prices,  in  a 
ready-mixed  and  finely  ground,  dry  condition. 

Any  of  these  formulas,  "wrhen  ordered  in  lots  of  two  tons  and  up-wards,  may 
be  obtained  in  the  form  of  the  materials  of  which  "they  are  composed,  all 
shipped  in  their  separate  and  original  packages,  at  a  reduction  of  five 
dollars  per  ton  from  the  above  prices. 

The  prices  charged  for  these  formulas  in  the  unmixed  form,  will  be  found  to 
be  based  upon  the  actual  per  centages  of  the  following  ingredients  at  the 
annexed  low  rates. 

Ammonia,  from  Peruvian  Guano,  Ground  Dried  Blood  or  Flesh.  17Xc-  Per  lb. 

Phosphoric  Acid,  all  in  form  of  Peruvian  Guano 9c.  " 

Potash,  as  Phosphate,  Sulphate  and  Muriate 7Xc.       " 

MAPES'  COMPLETE  AND  SPECIAL  MANURES. 

In  the  preparation  of  these  Manures,  particular  attention  is  paid  to  supplying 
all  the  required  ingredients  to  meet  the  demand  of  each  crop ;  not  only  in 
the  proper  proportion,  but  also  in  those  forms  and  conditions  which 
practical  and  varied  experience  has  show^n  to  develop  the  healthiest 
growth  and  best  quality  of  product,  as  well  as  the  largest  yield. 

This  will  be  readily  appreciated  in  the  case  of  such  crops  as  Tobacco,  also 
Spring  "Wheat  as  compared  with  Fall  Wheat,  &c. 

The  materials  from  which  these  Manures  are  prepared  are  Peruvian  Guano, 
Nitrate  of  Soda,  Sulphate  of  Ammonia,  Dried  Blood  or  Flesh,  Fine  Bone, 
Sulphuric  Acid,  and  Potash  Salts.  They  contain  no^ plaster.  They  are  all 
supplied  in  a  ready-mixed  state,  finely  ground,  and 'easy  of  distribution. 

MAPES'  COMPLETE  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  0  to  7 ;  Ihosphoric  Add,  10  to  12;  Potash,  3  to  4 Bags  200  lbs. 

Adapted  for  general  crops  on  heavy  soils  or  average  clay-loams,  or  those  re- 
quiring an  increased  per  centage  of  Phosphoric  Acid  as  compared  with 
Potash,  such  as  fair  Corn  or  Potato  lands. 

This  Manure  for  clay  lands,  as  well  as  the  Ville  Complete  Manure  for  light 
or  sandy  soils,  is  recommended  as  our  WHE3AT  MANURE,  and  for 
seeding  down  to  permanent  mowing  or  pasture  lands,  also  for  Oats, 
Barley,  Hye,  and  Bops,  as  well  as  for  general  use,  as  a  substitute  for 
barn-yard  or  stable  manure. 

MAPES'  CORN  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  4.50  to 5;  l'ho:.phoricAcid,10  to  12  ;  Potash,  6to  7....0 Bags  200  lbs. 

MAPES'  FODOER  CORN  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  4;  Phosphoric  Acid,  C;  Potash,  12  to   13 Bags  200  lbs. 

MAPES'  BEET  AND  MANQOIiD  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  0.50  to  7.5J;  Phosphoric  Acid,  4  to  6;  Potash,  7  to  8 Bags  200  lbs. 

The  above  Formulas  and  Manures  should  be  reduced  in  strength  by  mixing 
with  plaster  or  dry  earth.  This  will  secure  better  distribution  and  guard 
against  injury  to  the  young  roots,  especially  if  used  in  th'e  hills  or  close  to 
the  seed. 


Per  Ton,        Per 
8000  lbs.  aoo  lbs 


$52.28 


38.72 


51.94 


$5.50 


4.00 


6.40 


50.00 


5.26 


49.50 


49.00 


52.00 


5.20 
5.15 
5.46 


PRICE    LIST    OF    MANURES, 


OTAffES'  TOBACCO  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  5.00;  Phosphoric  Aoid,  5,00;  Potash,  11.90..... Bags  200  lbs. 

Tlie  Potash  in  this  manure  is  all  in  the  form  of  a  Sulphate. 

OT APES'  FKUIT  AND  VINE  OTANURE. 

Ammonia,  1.60  to  2.00;  Phosphoric  Acid,  7.50  to  11.00;  Potash,  6  to  7. .Bags  200  Its. 

mAPES'  SPRING  ^V^HEAT  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  6  to  7  ;  Phosphoric  Acid,  7  to  8  ;  Potash,  5  to  6 Bags  200  lbs. 

May  he  drilled  in  with  the  seed. 

MAPES'  CAUIilFI^OTTER  AND  CARBAOE  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  5 .  50  to  6 .  UO ;  Phosphoric  Acid,  4  to  5 ;  Potash,  10  to  12 Bags  200  lbs . 

MAPES'  ORASS  AND  ORAIN  SPRING  TOP-DRESSING. 

....Bags  200  lbs. 

This  Manure,  owing  to  the  solubility  of  its  Phosphoric  Acid,  will  be  found 
very  useful  as  a  spring  top-dressing  to  winter  grain  which,  has  suffered 
injury  from  winter  exposure ;  also,  as  a  dressing  to  any  crop  around  the 
hills  or  rows  to  promote  rapid  growth. 

MAPES'  SUGAR  CANE  OR  SORGHUM  MANURE. 

Ammonia,  2.00  to  3.00;  Phosphoric  Acid,  10.00  to  12.00 ;  Potash,  6.00  to S.OO.Bags  200  lbs. 

"We  prepare  this  Manure  to  meet  the  special  requirements  of  the  sugar  lands 
of  South  America,  "West  Indies,  and  the  Southern  States.  The  effect  of 
this  Manure  is  particularly  to  increase  the  proportion  of  SACCHARINE 
MATTER. 

MAPES'  liATFN  TOP-DRESSING. 

For  Lawns,  Croquet  Grounds,  Grass  Plots,  <£c Bags  200  lbs. 

FOR  COTTON— Pse  napes'  Nitrogenized  Super-Phosphate. 

MAPES'  SUPER-PHOSPHATES,  ETC. 

MAPES'  NITROGENIZED  SUPER-PHOSPHATE-(with  Potash). 

Fine  and  Dry. 

Ammonia,  i)i  to  3%  per  cent ;  Phosphoric  Acid  (soluble  and  available),      (Bags  200  lbs. 

^10  to  14;   Potash,  2  to  3 (Bbls.250  lbs. 

The  Phosphoric  Acid,  all  from  Bone  and  Peruvian  Guano. 

MAPES'  NITROGENIZED  SUPER-PHOSPHATE  (Old  Brand)  (Bags  2C0  lbs. 
Ammonia,  3  to  3>^  per  cent.;  Plios.  Acid  (soluble  and  available),  10  to  14..  (Btdg.  250  lbs. 
The  Phosplioric  Acid,  all  from,  Bone  and  Peruvian  Guano. 

AMMONIATED  DISSOLVED  BONE— (Moosehead  Brand) (Bags  200  lbs. 

Ammonia,  2X  to  3  percent.;  Phos.  Acid  (soluble  and  available),  10 )  Bbls.  250  lbs. 

The  Phosphoric  Acid,  all  from  Bone. 

DISSOIiVED  BONE-BIiACK~(jMapes Brand) [Bags  200  lbs. 

Phosphoric  Acid  (soluble  and  available),  15  to  17 (.Bbls.  250  lbs. 

ACID  PHOSPHATE. 

Phosphoric  Acid  (soluble  and  available),  11  io  14 Bbls.  250  lbs. 

The  Phosphoric  Acid  from  South  Carolina  Phosphate. 

PREPARED  DRV  FISH  GUANO-(Mapes  Brand) (B^gs  180  lbs. 

Ammonia,  5  to  C>a  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  C  to  7/i )  Bbls lbs. 

The  dry,  fine  condition  of  this  preparation  of  Fish  Guano,  renders  it  con- 
venient for  Transportation,  especially  when  packed  in  barrels. 

It  is  in  considerable  demand  for  shipment  to  the  Truck  Grow^ers  in  Charles- 
ton, Florida,  and  Bermuda. 

MAPES'  POTASH  BONE  PHOSPHATE. 

Ammonia,  2  to  3  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  11  to  13  ;  Potash,  6  to  7...' Bags  200  lbs. 

Prepared  from  Bone  and  Potash  Salts. 

This  Manure  is  intended  to  meet  the  demand  for  a  cheap  and  effective 
fertilizer  for  restoring  w^orn-out  lands,  such  as  old  orchards,  side-bill 
stony  pastures ;  to  take  the  place,  in  fact,  of  finely  ground  Pure  Bone  and 
^Wood  Ashes.    May  be  used  broadcast  as  a  top-dressing,  spring  or  fall. 


Per  Ton,      Per 
S0«0  1b8.300  1b8. 

$49.34         <t!Ron 


35.00 
50.00 


49.00 
51.00 


45.00 


60.00 


45.00 
43.00 
40.00 

36.00 
30.00 

40.00 


35.00 


PRICE    LIST    OF    MANURES. 


GROUND  BONE— STRICTLY  PURE. 

PURE  KONE  MEAl.—(iVIapes  Brand). 

Ammonia,  4  to  5  per  cent.;   Phosphoric  Acid,  20  to  2G Bags  200  lbs. 

PUKE  GROUND  BONE— (Mapes  Brand)— Extra    Fine)  (Bags... 200  lbs. 

Ammonia,  3.50  to  4.50  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  20  to  28] |Bbls lbs. 

This  grade  of  bone  -will  be  found  to  be  nearly  as  fine  as  ordinary  Done  Meal. 

PURE  GROUND  BONE— (Mapes  Brand)— Fine |  (Bags. ..200  lbs. 

Ammonia,  3.50  to  4.50  per  cent.;   Phosphoric  Acid,  20  to28J (  Bbls lbs. 

TMs  grade  of  Bone  designated  Pine,  consists  of  tlie  three  other  grades,  viz: 
Meal,  Extra  Fine,  and  Medium,  in  about  equal  proportions,  and  i^  there- 
fore well  adapted  to  meet  the  wants  of  those  who  desire  permanent  effects 
as  well  as  immediate  action. 

PURE  GROUND  BONE— (Mapes  Brand)— Medium. 
Ammonia,  2  to  4  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  20  to  30. 

PURE  FINE  BONE,  Dissolved  in  Sulphuric  Acid— (Mapes  Brand). 

Ammonia,  2.50  to  3  per  cent.;  Phosphoric  Acid,  soluble  and  available,  13  to  IG. 

This  brand  is  prepared  from  only  bone  and  ne'W  Sulphuric  Acid,  and  will  be 
found  to  be  more  economical  to  the  farmer  than  any  home-made  pre- 
paration. 

PURE  BONE  MEALi,  for  Feeding 


Per  Ton. 
SOOO  lbs. 

$42.00 

40.00 


■:::::! 1 


ijags., 
Bbls.. 


.200  lbs. 
lbs. 


PURE  BONE,  for  Ctiekens 

All  of  the  above  grades  consist  of  absolutely  pure  Bone,  reduced  by  im- 
proved machinery  to  fine  condition,  without  admixture  or  treatment  with 
any  dryer,  salt  or  nitre-cake,  plaster,  natural  phosphate,  "  Kettle  Bottoms" 
or  adulterant. 

The  Ammonia  is  therefore  all  intimately  blended  (in  the  form  of  the  gelatine 
and  organic  matter  of  the  Bone)  with  the  phosphates  of  the  Bone,  and 
thus  secures  rapid  decomposition  and  best  action  on  plant  growth. 

Any  desired  grade  of  Bone  prepared  to  order.  Deliveries  in  bulk  made  at 
our  Works  on  Morris  Canal,  Newark,  U.  J. 

POTASH  SALTS,  Etc.— Our  own  Importation. 

MURIATE  OF  POTASH— (High  Grade). 

STANDAUD  SO  per  cent.,  equal  to  50  p.  c.  actual  Pot£.sh.Bags  about  200  lbs. 

MURIATE  OF  POTASH— (Hi^h  Grade)  "  Donglasshall." 
(This  Grade  contains  about  10  per  cent.  Sulphate  Magnesia). 
STANDARD  80  per  cent.,  equal  to  50  p.  c  actual  Potash. 

Bags  even  weight  225  lbs 
SULPHATE  OF  POTASH— (High  Grade). 

Test  70  to  8.")  per  cent.,  equal  to  38;^  to  40 if  per  cent,  actual  Potash ( -^^^s ll^s- 

STANDARD  80  per  cent.,  equal  to  44  p.  c.  actual  Potash (Bbls.  .340  lbs. 

SUIiPHATE  OF  POTASH— (German). 

Test  40  to  CO  per  cent.,  equal  to  22  to  33  per  cent,  actual  Potash Bags lbs. 

STANDARD  50  per  cent.,  equal  to  27)^  p.  c.  actual  Potash. 

GERMAN  POTASH  SAIiTS— -Kaiwi*— "Leopoldshall,"  "Stassfurt." 
Test  20  to  33  per  cent.    Sulphate  of  Potash  equal  to  H  to  18  per  cent. 

actual  Potash Bags  200  lbs. 

STANDARD  24  per  cent.,  equal  to  13  p.  c.  actual  Potash. 

NITRATE  OF  POTASH. 

Test  90  to  95  per  cent.,  equal  to  42  to  46  per  cent,  actual  Potash.     Contains 

also  some  l'2X  por  cent,  of  Nitrogen,  (Ammonia,  15) Bags  about  200  lbs. 

STANDARD  95  per  cent.,  equal  to  46  per  cent,  actual  Potash. 
Ammonia,  15  per  cent. 

SFECIAIj  HATSS  will  be  given  on  all  of  the  above  grades  of  Potash  Salts, 
delivered  ia  bulk  or  packages  direct  from  vessel  in  vrhich  imported, 

(Involving  no  expense  to  us  of  storage.,  etc.)     Dealers   can   obtain  their 
supplies  in  this  way  at  very  low  figures. 


Per  Bag, 
SOO  lbs. 


S4.40 
4.20 


38.00        4.00 


36.00 


.80 


42.00        4.40 


CO. 00 
50.00 


6.30 
5.25 


$45.00 


Single 

Paekai»e» 

Per  lb. 

2Kc. 


.45.00        2Kc 


65.00        4c. 


35.00        2c. 


15. to  18       IXc 


170.00        93^0. 


Extract  from  Circular  of  the  Mapes  Formula  and  Peru- 
vian Guano  Company,  ISTe^^  York. 


CLASSIFICATION    AND    BEQUIKEMENTS    OF    CKOPS. 


Crop. 
"Wheat 


■3-5 


"3  o 
S  X 

a  I' 

a  a 


Barley 


Kye. 


Weiffht 
Yield.        Per  Bushel. 

20  bushels 60  lbs. 


30  bushels 60  lbs. 

30  bushels 48  lbs. 


40  bushels 48  lbs. 

15  bushels 56  lbs. 


"   30  bushels 5C  lbs. 

Oats 30  bushels 32  lbs. 


50  bushels 32  lbs. 


Averaee  Meadow  Hay.... 

Timothy  Hay 

Hops 

Onions 600  bushels 50  lbs 


2  tons (Dry) 

2  tons (Dry.) 


Sugar  Beets 


10  tons 


Carrots 364  bushels 55  lbs. 


ko    f  Corn  (Shelled) 60  bushels. 


56  lbs. 


5j  a 
3< 

fa  3 

o 


75  bushels 56  lbs. 


Sugar  Cane 

Sorghum 

Cotton 500  lbs. 

Turnips 


(Lint) 


10  tons. 


a  o 
\< 


Beans . 


Buckwheat 


25|  bushels 02  lbs. 


30  bushels 48  lbs. 


g  f  Fodder  Corn ! .  20  tons 

u  I 

c-i   Fodder  Rye 5  tons. 

^  \  Bed  Clover  (in  blossom)  10  tons. 

0       I.          Bed  Clover  Hay 3  tons . 


Ti,„      Nitrogen  Phoa.  Acid    Potash 

l^bS.  -,1,5  TV.  n,3_ 


(Grain 1230... 

I  Straw 3,000.  . . 


Lbs. 
25 
14.40 


Grain 1,800  1 

Straw 4,500  ) 

Grain 1,440... 

Straw 2,000... 


(  Grain 1,920  1 

(  Straw 2,666) 

(Grain 840. 

I  Straw 1,780. 

(Grain 1,680  1 

(Straw 3,560  J 

(  Grain 96J. 

I  Straw 2,000. 

(  Grain 1,000  1 

i  Straw 3,333  ) 

Yield 4,000., 

Yield 4,000. 


39.40 
59.10 


27  50 
6  26 


Lbs. 
9.50 
6  GO 

16.10 
34.1.5 

9  64 

5.40 


Yield 30,000.. 

;  Roots .20.000. 

I  Tops 5,000. 


Roots 20,000. 

Tops 8,000. 


33.76 
45.01 

15  00 
4.21 

19.31 
38.43 

18.40 
11.20 

39.60 
49.34 

.60.00 
63.00 

!  63.60 

32.00 
15.00 

47.00 

44.00 
40.80 


;  Grain  . 
Stover 


. .  3,360 
...  0,400. 


Butabagas 

Tobacco 1,800  lbs....  (Green  Leaf) 


Potatoes 300  bushels 66  lbs. 

Cabbages 20  tons 

Peas 25  bushels 60  lbs. 


( Grain 

1  Stover. . . 

.  4.200  ( 
.  8,000) 

(Seed  Cotton)  1,500... 

{  Roots.... 
1  Tops  .... 

.20.000... 
...0,0'  0... 

( Drv  Leaf, 
i  Stalks... 

.  1,260... 
.   1,100... 

Tubers. . . 

Yield.... 

(  Seed 

(Straw 

.18,000... 
.40.000.  .. 
.  1,.500  .. 
.  3,600... 

(Seed 

1  Straw. . . . 

.  1,.^8I... 
.   2,800... 

(  Grain 

\  Straw .... 

.  1,440... 
.  2,000.. 

Yield.... 

.40,000... 

Yield.... 

.10,000... 

Yield.... 

..20,000.. 

Yield 

..  6,000.... 

S4.80 

53.60 
30.40 

S4.00 
105.00 


46.50 

30  00 
18.00 

54.00 

49.00 
33  00 


15.04 
80.05 

7.03 
3.28 

10.31 
30.63 

6.00 
3.80 

9.80 
16.34 

16.40 
38.80 

46.50 

16  00 
6.50 

33.50 

20  00 
9.60 


18.40 
24.40 


43.80 
53.50 


14.40 

is.oo 

5.40 


34.00 
38.00 
33.60 


0.40 
18  9;) 


35.30 
37.95 


0.33 
25  80 


33.13 
43.84 

4.69 
13  59 

18.38 
36.55 

420 
17.80 

33.00 
36.68 

53.80 
81.60 

50.40 

78.00 
31.50 

109.50 

56  00 
23.20 


79.30 

11.20 
106.40 

117.60 
147.00 


16.60 

06.00 
16  80 


7100 
47.00 

118.00 
lOl.OO 
340.00 

14.70 
36.36 

51.06 

20.71 
51.80 

73.51 

3.88 
48.40 

53.38 
173.00 


88.00 
109,80 


Can  Concentrated  Manures  be  Used  with  Profit? 

The  following  table  gives  the  estimated  cost  [per  bushel,  etc.]  to  grow  farm  produce  in  excess  of  the  natural 
yield  of  the  soil.  The  estimates  include  all  the  Phosphoric  Acid  and  Potash  contained  in  the  plant,  together 
with  the  full  proportion  of  Nitrogen,  as  recommended  by  Prof.  Geokge  Ville. 


I   One  Bushel  Wlieat 


The  Natural  Proportion  of  Straw    150  lbs. 


One  Bushel  Barley 


i 


i   The  Natural  Proportion  of  Straw    G7  lbs 


One  Bushel  Bye 


i  Nitrogen 
l*hos|iLioric  Acid 
Potash 
Nitrogen 
Phosphoric  Acid 
Potash 
(  N'itrogen 
48  lbs.  ]  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
( Nitrogen 
I  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  l'o:ash 
Nitrogen 
56  lbs.  \  Piiosplioiic  Acid 
Potash 


( Nitrogen 
The  Natural  Proportion  of  Straw    118  lbs.  ]  Phosphoric  Acid 

(Potash 

Nitrogen 
Phosphoiic  Acid 
Potash 


One  Bushel  Oats  32  lbs. 

The  Natural  Proportion  of  Straw,    67  lbs. 
One  Bushel  Shelled  Corn  56  lbs. 

The  Natural  Proportion  of  Stover  107  lbs. 
One  Bushel  Potatoes  (Tubers)  60  lbs. 

One  Bushel  Buckwheat  48  lbs. 

The  Natural  Proportion  of  Straw    67  lbs. 
One  Bushel  Onions  50  lbs. 

Dry  Leaf  Tobacco  100  lbs. 

The  Natural  Proportion  of  Stalk    87  lbs 


Seed  Cotion  (334  lbs.  Lint.) 


Nitrogen 
Phosphoric  Acid 
Potash 
Nitrogen 
Phosphoric  Acid 
Potash 
(  Nitrogen 

<  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
( Nitrogen 
\  I'hosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
( Nitrogen 

<  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
( Nitrogen 
'  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
(  Nitrogen 
I  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
( Nitrogen 
{  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 
(Nitrosren 
I  Phosphoric  Acid 
(  Potash 

(  Nitrogen 
1,000  lbs.  \  Ph  isphoric  Acid 
( Potash 


0,62.5  lbs. 

0.475  ■' 

0,32'J  " 

0,.360  " 

0.330  " 

0,945  " 

0,458  " 

0.321  " 

0,211  " 

0.104  " 

0.1811  " 

0,860  " 

0,500  " 

0,468  " 

0,312  " 

0.140  " 

0,218  " 

0,90G  " 

0,306  " 

0.200  " 

0,140  " 

0,186  " 

0.126  " 

0,593  " 

0,223  " 

0.300  " 

0,186  " 

0,126  " 

0.406  " 

1,773  " 

0,097  " 

0.106  " 

0,336  " 

0.172  " 

0  273  " 

0,129  " 

0.216  " 

0.4116  " 

1,613  " 

0  053  " 

0  077  " 

0,084  " 

1.94  " 

0.59  " 

5.63  " 

130  " 

1.18  " 

3.72  " 

2.50  " 

9  60  ■' 

11.06  " 


at  21}  c.  per 
at    0 
at    71 
at  211 
iit    9 
at    75 
at  21  j 
at    9 
at    7i 
at21i 
at    9 
at    7} 
at21i 
at    9 
at    7} 
at  211 
at    9 
at    li 
at  211 
at    9 
at    1i 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7i 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7J 
at  2li 
at    !) 
at    7i 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7^ 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7V 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7i 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7^ 
at  211 
at    9 
at    1^ 
at  211 
at    9 
at    7i 
at  21 1 
at    9 
at    71 


Cents, 
lb.  13.28) 

4.20  J 

2.40) 
'         7  6i  ) 

2  97  I 
•'         7.08) 

9.56 ) 
'  2.88  J 
'  1.58) 
"  2.21 1 
"         1.62 

6.45 ) 
"       10.62 ) 

4.21} 

2.34) 
"        2  97 } 

1.96  { 
"  G.79) 
"  C.49) 
"        1.80  [ 

1.05) 
"  3  95 ) 
"  1.13} 
"        4.44 ) 

-        4.73) 
"         2.75 
"         1.39) 
"        2  67 ) 

3.65  S 
"  13.29) 
"  2.06] 
"        0.95 

2.52  1 

3.66) 
"        2.45 
"  .96) 

"        4  59 1 
"        3.65 
"        12.1.9) 

"  1.12 j 
0.69 

"  0.63  ] 

"  41.221 

"  5  31 

"  42  22 ) 

♦'  27  62] 

"  10.62 

"  27  90  ] 

"  .531  ] 

"  .8.=i4 

"  .829 ) 


30  cents. 
18  " 
14  " 
!  10  " 
17  " 
13        " 


30  " 

51  " 

7 

30  " 

3i  « 

89  " 

66  " 
«3.33 


The  cost  of  r.iising  the  staple  products  with  Mapes'  Complete  and  Special  Manures  has  proved  in  praclioe  to  be 
much  less  than  showifby  the  figures  of  the  above  table.    This  has  been  uniformiy  the  case  even  upon  poor  light 

^°'  Owing  to  the  diffleiilty  of  bringing  the  fertilizer,  especially  during  the  first  season  of  its  application,  in  contact 
with  the  roots  of  thH  plants,  there Vill  alwavs  remain  a  larae  proportion  untised  and  ready  tor  future  ctops.  As  be- 
fore slated,  the  marked  effects  of  the  fertilizer  on  subsequent  crops,  particularly  on  grass  alter  grain  crops,  give 
evidence  of  the  increased  atnc.k  of  availahlf.  plant  fnnrl  left  in  the  poil  after  croj)piiig. 

Ag^tin.  the  natural  fertility  of  the  soil  is  increased  by  the  acti  m  of  the  fertilizer  in  liberating  and  rendering 
available,  for  rdant  use.  the  ingredients  which  it  already  contains,  but  which  without  the  presence  of  the  manure, 
woulcl  remain  i?^er<  and  jtse/ess.  .     ■,    ,.       *    .-v  a  i  1 .-^ 

For  thesH  reasons  the  cost  of  raising  farm-pro  lucfs  with  Mapes'  Manures,  including  fertilizer,  seed  labor,  in- 
teri'St  on  land,  etc..  on  poor  as  well  as  good  land,  is  found  to  be  less  than  the  estimated  cost  (  f  the  fertilizing  in- 
gredients alone  required  as  per  above  fable.  .      ,    ,  .  .     ^  i-     t   <i  „  „„^t  ^f  „„;= 

With  300  lbs.  '•  Complete  Manure  "  per  acre  on  60  acres  r>oor  land  this  season  in  ronnpoticnt.  the  cost  ot  rais- 
ing corn  rier  bushel  was  less  than  twenfy-fire  cents.  This  inclmied  all  expenses  of  fertilize^-,  cultivation,  interest, 
etc.  The  yield  of  corn  with  3  '0  Iha.  to  400  lbs.  per  acre  of  this  s  itne  manure,  has  been  f roni  8f)  to  96  bushels  i-nellea 
corn  per  ace.  In  one  instance,  where  the  vleld  was  at  the  rat?  of  over  90  bushels  shelled  corn ^^per  acre,  the 
writer  stat.id  that  the  "  land  was  so  poor  that  wirhout  the  fertilizer  it  would  have  produced  nothing. 

On  potatoes,  the  potato  manure.  300  to  400  lbs.  per  acre,  has  produced  from  .350  to  .37o  bushels  per  acre  under 
ordinarV  culture.  The  cases  reported  were  principally  '•Lite"  and  '  Earlv  Ro^e"  In  one  instance,  during  the 
past  season,  where  land  heavilv  manured  with  barn-yard  manure,  produced  "V'>'J'^" '^"':^ri\"VJ^"V"TV  %  i*J' 
the  addition  of  seven  dollars  worth  of  potash  fertilizer  (13  per  cent.  Potash)  raised  the  yield  to  350  bushels  of  pota- 
toes of  large  size  and  very  fine  quality. 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


27 
100 


of  a  Cent  per  Day,  8  1-2  Cents  a  Month,  or  $1.00  a  Year, 

PAYS  FOR  A  TRUE  FARMER'S  PAPER, 
A  Handsomely  Illustrated  Monthly  Journal  in  the  interests  of  Profitable  Agriculture. 


For  all  farmers  gardeners,  stock  raisers,  grain  growers  and  dairymen.  For  all  who  wish  to 
li'aru  about  ferliiizers  and  manure.",  about  the  principles  underlying  successful  practice  in  the 
Held  and  stable,  it  is  full  of  the  most  valuable  and  practical  information.  Its  articles  on  Plant 
Kkedeng  have  intensely  interested  thousands  of  farmers;  tor  it  is  an  acknowledged  authority  on 
all  subjects  relating  to  manures  and  fertilizers;  and  its  articles  are  so  useful,  so  practical,  and  so 
reliable,  that  no  farmer  can  afford  to  be  without  it. 

Ill  HoRTiccJTyTUKE  and  BoTAXV  it  publishes  the  latest  and  best.  Its  Dairy  and  Stock  de- 
pirtment  is  in  the  hands  of  practicil  ami  snccessfal  dairymen  and  breeders.  It  employs  the  best 
talent  on  the  subjects  of  Tillagb  and  General  Field  Operations,  Djskases  of  Farm 
Stock,  Insect  Pests,  Poultry,  Uui{al  Art  and  Apchitecture,  Window  Gardening,  etc. 
All  its  departments  are  of  every-day  interest,  and  are  conducted  in  a  manner  far  above  that  of 
the  common  newspaper. 

The  Scientific  Farmer  aims  to  be  the  most  thoroughly  instructive  farmer's  magazine  ever 
published.  It  strives  to  be  entirely  accurate  iu  statement;  to  make  science /(raciica/;  knowledge 
usf/al;  and  the  farm  profitable. 

Ever  dignified  and  seehiny  the  highest,  it  is  still  bright  and  cheer}/,  and  always  on  the  look  out 
for  the  brighter  and  pi  easnni.er  phases  of  farm  life.  Brimful  of  meat,  and  without  a  trashy  line 
in  it;  and  all  for  about  one-quarter  of  a  cent  a  day. 

There  are  few  better  uses  to  which  an  inCelliget'it  farmer  can  put  a  dollar  than  to  send  for 
this  "  Farmer's  Magazine."  A  specimen  number  will  be  sent  for  ten  cents,  or  3  postage  stamps. 
Address, 

Scientific  Farmer  Co.,  Boston,  Mass. 

Fe^a  the  Plant  and  the  Plant  will  Peed  Yon. 


Stocktridge  Manures, 

Originated  by  Prof.  Levi  Stockbridge,  Professor  of  Agriculture  in  the 

MASSACHUSETTS  AGRICULTURAL  COLLEGE. 

These  manures  are  made  according  to  the  analysis  of  plants  for  different  crops  by  formulas 
worked  out  by  Prof.  Stockbridge,  and  supply  the  plant  food  in  an  available  form,  which  is  not 
obtained  from  the  soil  or  air  in  sufficient  quantity.  These  maTuires  also  recognize  the  fact  that 
plants,  like  animals,  differ  and  require  different  fond  or  in  different  proportions  to  insure  the 
best  results  at  the  least  cost.  They  have  been  extensively  used  for  FIVE  YEARS  and  were 
used  In  1877  on  ovei- 10,000  acres  with  very  satisfactory  results,  many  tanners  raising  from 
75  to  100  KUSHELS  of  CORM  per  acre,  and  with  like  rpsnlts  on  other  crops.  As  they  supply 
the  principal  elements  of  plant  food  which  crops  remove.  THEY  DO  NOT  KXHAliST  THE 
LAND,  but  actually  leave  it  richar :  tor  being  composed  largely  of  chemicals.  Iliey  liHve  a  strong 
chemical  action  on  the  soil,  and  liberate  otlier  r'lant  foid.  In  short,  the  Stockbridge  Manures, 
based  as  they  are  on  the  analysis  of  the  crop,  does  away  with  guess  icork  in  fertilization,  for  they 
supply  just  what  the  crop  wants. 

They  contain  no  iveed  seeds,  and  often  cost  less  than  the  hanlina  of  stable  manure  and  are 
much  more  quickly  applied.  Send  for  Pamphlet  for  1878,  Mniled  Free,  containing 
PRICES,  the  experience  of  farmers  all  over  the  country  who  have  used  these  manures,  and  other 
valuable  information. 

W.  H.  BOWKER  &  CO.,  Sole  Agents  and  Manufaclurers. 

Also  proprietors  of  Bowker's  Hill  and  Drill  Phosphates,  and  dealers  In  High  Grade 
Agricultural  Chemicals. 

BOSTO]^  AISTD  NEW  YORK 

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B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS,  34  Barclay  Street,  New  York. 


56 


B.  K.  BLISS  &  SONS'  POTATO  CATALOGUE. 


NEAM  AGRICULTURAL  BOOKS. 


A  hnoh  that  ought  to  he  in  the  hands  of 

evi:ry  owner  of  a  farm,  lari/e  or  small, 

or  of  a  (jarden  plot. 

POTATO  PESTS. 

_       Being  an  illustrated  account  of  tlie 

'  COLOEABO  POTATO  BEETLE, 

And  the  other 

Insect  Foes  of  the  Potato 

IN  NORTH  AMERICA, 

With  Suggestions  for  their  Repression 
and  Methods  for  their  Destruction. 

ByCHARLESV.RILEY,M.A.,Ph.D., 

(State  Entomologist  of  Missouri.) 

Finely  Illustrated. 

Price,  postpaid,  paper  covers,  50  cents ; 
cloth,  75  cents. 


AN  EGG  FARM.    THE  MANAGEMENT  OF  POULTRY  IN  LARGE  NUMBERS, 

By    H.  H.  STODDARD. 

Bein?  a  Series  of  Articles  written  for  the  American  Agriculturist,  with 
Other  Articles.    Illustrated. 

CONTENTS —Introduction.— Plan  of  Farm.— Manner  of  Feeding.— Location  of  Farm.— Kind 
of  8oil.— Crops  on  the  Farm.— Supplying  Water  and  Food— Collecting  and  Storing  Dry  Earth.— 
Houses  for  Layers.— Feeding  House  for  Winter.— Houses  for  Silters.-An-angenients  lor  Breed- 
ing Stock.— Fowls  for  Layers.— Fowls  for  Sitters.— Management  of  Breeding  Stock.— Coops  for 
Chickens. —Feeding  Chickens.— Setting  the  Eggs.- Management  of  Sitting  Fowls.— Testing  the 
Eggs.— Winter  ManageiuHnt.- House  for  Earlv  Hatched  Pullets.— Shelters  for  Fowls  and  Chiclr- 
ens.— Kind  of  Food.— Building  for  Storing  and  Cookinsj  Food.— Management  of  Young  Chickens. 
—Feeding  and  Sheltering  Chickens.— Additional  Buildings.— General  Conclusions.— Farm  Poul- 
try House.— Po\dtry  Farming.— Poultry  Keeping  as  a  Business. 

Price,  postpaid,  paper  covers,  50  cents;  cloth  75  cents. 


THE    POULTRY   YARD    AND    MARKET; 

Or,  A  Practical  Treatise  on  <»allinoculture. 

BY  PROF.   A.   CORBETT, 

Inventor  of  the  New  Process  for  Hatching  Eggs  and  Raising  Poultry,  by  means  of  Horse  Manure 
alone,  for  whi'di  Gold  and  Bronze  Medals,  and  several  Diplomas,  have  been  awarded  by  State  and 
County  Fairs,  and  tlie  American  Institute,  l.eading  newspapers  endorsed  the  valuable  discovery 
of  tliis  simple  process,  which  is  fully  described  in  this  book,  giving  the  valuable  information 
acquired  bv  20  years'  experience  in  Poultry  Breeding. 

CONTENTS.— Origin  of  Artificial  Incubation.— Its  Prolificness.— Particulars  of  -what  has 
been  done  in  Artificial  Incubation  up  to  the  present  time.— The  discovery  of  how  Eggs  could  be 
Hatched  in  Manure.- The  Researches  of  Prof.  Corbett  and  his  Discovery.— Prof.  Corbett's  t^iie- 
cess.— Amount  of  Profit  to  be  Made  Annuallv  bv  Anybody  witli  Twelve  Hens.— How  Ponltiy 
Breeders  can  Rai.se  Chickens  in  Manure,  with  Slight  Expense,  All  the  Year  Round.— The  Raising 
Poultry  with  Large  Profits.— The  Kind  of  Manure  to  be  Used.— The  Best  Breed  of  Profitable 
Fowls.— Advice  to  the  Ladies.— Important  Hints  How  to  Keep  Poultry  .and  Make  Money.— Dis- 
eases and  their  Cure.— How  to  Fatten  ami  Prepare  for  Market.— Opinims  of  the  Press  and  Re- 
wards given  for  this  Process.    Price,  postpaid,  50  cents. 


THE   SHEPHEKD'S  MANUAL,. 

A  practical    treatise  on  The  Sheep.    Designed  especially  for   American  Shepherds. 
Henry  Stewart.    Illustrated.    Price,  postpaid,  $1.50. 


By 


PLAY  AND  PROFIT  IN  MY  GARDEN. 

By  E.  P.  Roe.    Author  of  "  Barriers  Burned  Away,"  etc.    Price,  postpaid,  $1.50. 


Valuable  Books  for  sale  by  B.  K.  Bliss  &  Sons, 

— ««« — - 

Sent  by  mail,  post-paid,  at  following  prices. 


Allen's  (R.  L.  &  L,  F  )  'Sew  American  Farm 
Book.  ...---- 

Allen's  (L.  F.)  American  Cattle, 
Allen's  |K.  L.)  American  Farm  Book, 
Allen's  (l>.  F.)  liiiral  Architecture,     - 
Allen's  (R.  L)  Diseases  of  Domestic  Ani- 
mals, -------- 

American  Bird  Fancier,       -        .        -       - 
American  Kose  Culturist,    -        -       - 
American  Weeds  and  Useful  Plants, 
Atwood's  Country  and  Suburbau  Houses, 
Barry's  Fruit  Garden,  -       .        -       - 

Bement's  Rabbit  Fancier,    -        -        -       - 

Bonimer's  Mettiod  of  Making  Manures, 
Breck's  New  Book  6t  Flowers,    -        -        - 
Brill's  Farm-gardening  and  Seed-growing, 
Broom-Corn  and  Brooms,  papar,  50c.,  cloth, 
Brown's  Taxidermist's  Manual, 
Bruckner's  American  Manures, 
Buel's  Cider-maker's  Manual,    -        -       - 
Burr's  Vegetables  of  America,    -        -       - 
Butler's  Family  Aquarium, 
Butler  on  the  Dog,        -        -        . 
Canary  Birds.    Paper,  50  cts. ;  cloth, 
Chorllou's  Grape-grower's  Guide,  • 
Cobbett's  American  Gardener,    -        -       - 
Coburn's  Swine  Husbandry,        -        .       - 
Cole's  American  Fruit  Book,       _       .        _ 
Cole's  American  Veterinarian,    -       -        - 
Cooked  Food  for  Domestic  Animals, 
t;ook's  Manual  of  the  Apiary,     .       -       - 
Corbett's  Poultry  Yard  and  Market,  paper, 
50  cts. ;  doth,     ------ 

Dadd's  Modern  Horse  Doctor,  13nio  , 
Dadd's  Ameri'ian  Catfle  Doctor,  l^mo.,  - 
Dadd's  American  Reformed  Horse  Book,  - 
Dana's  Muck  Manual,  -       -       -       - 

De  Voe's  Market  Assistant,         -       -       - 
Downing's  Landscape  Gardening, 
Dwyer's  Horse  Book,  .       -       .       _ 

Eastwood  on  Cranberry,      -       -       -       - 

Enfield's  Indian  Corn,  .       _       -        - 

Every  Horse  Owner's  Cyclopasdia, 

Every  Woman  Her  Own  Flower  Gardener, 

Paper,  50  cts.;  cloth. 
Field's  Pear  Culture,    -       -       -        .        - 
Flax  Culture.  [Seven  Prize  Essays,]  - 
Flint  (Charles  L.)  on  Grasses,     -       - 
French's  Farm  Drainage,    -       -       -        - 

Fuller's  Forest  Tree  Culturist,    -        -       - 
F.iller's  Grape  Culturist.      -        -        -        - 

Fuller's  Illustrated  Strawberry  Culturist, 
Fuller's  Small  Fruit  Culturist,    -        -       - 
Fulton's  Peach  Culture,       -       -        _        - 
Geyeliu's  Poultry  Breeding,       -       .        . 
Grant's  Beet  Root  Sugar,    -       .       -       - 
Gregory  on  Cabbages,  -       _        -       . 

Gre.iiory  on  Carrots  Mangold  Wurtzels,  etc. 
Gregory  on  Onion  Raising,  -       .       - 

Gregory  on  Squashes,  -       _       .       - 

Guenon  on  M  rich  Cows,       .        -        .        . 
Harlan's  Farming  with  Green  Manures.    - 
Harris's  Insects  Injurious  to  Vegetation. 

Plain,  $4;  colored  engravings, 
Harris  on  the  Pig,        -        -       _       .        _ 
Hazard's  Butter  and  Butter  Making, 
Hedges  on  Sorgho,  or  the  Northern  Sugar 
Plant,  ----.-. 

Helmsley's  Hardy  Trees,  Shrubs  and  Plants 
Henderson's  Gardening  for  Pleasure, 
Henderson's  Gardening  for  Profit, 
Henderson's  Practical  Floriculture,  - 
Hooper's  Dog  and  Gun,    Paper  30c. ;  cloth, 
Hoopes's  Book  of  Evergreens,    -       -       - 
Hop  Culture.    By  nine  experienced  culti- 
vators,       -.----. 

Howard's  Grasses  and  Forage  Plants  at  the 

South,        --.-.., 

How  to  Make  Candy,  -       -       -       .       - 

Htmter  and  Trapper,    -       -       -       -       - 

Jennings  on  Cattle  and  their  Diseases, 
Jennings'  Horse  Training  Made  Easy, 


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Jennings  on  the  Horse  and  his  Diseases,   - 
Jennings  on  Slieep,  Swine  and  Poultry,    - 
Jersey,  Alderney,  and  Guernsey  Cow, 
.Johnson's  How  Crops  Feed,        ... 
Johnson's  How  Crops  Grow,        .       -       - 
Johnson's  Peat  and  its  Uses,       -        .       - 
Johnston's  Agricultural  Chemistry,   - 
Johnston's  Elements  of  Agricultural  Chem- 
istry, ------- 

King's  Beekeeper's  Text  Book.     Paper,  40 
cts. ;  cloth.  ------- 

Klippart's  Wheat  Plant,      .       -       -       - 
Lakey's  Village  and  Country  Houses, 
Leuciiar's  How  to  Build  Hot-Houses, 
Lyman's  Cotton  Culture,      -        -        -        - 

McClure's  American  Gentleman's  Stable 
Guide,         ------- 

McClure's  Diseases  of  the  A  merican  Horse, 
Cattle  and  Slieep,      -        -        -        -        - 

Miles  on  the  Horse's  Foot,  -        -        -        . 
Molir  on  the  Grape  Vine,    _       -       -       - 
My  Vineyard  at  LaUeview,  -       - 

Nichnl's  Cliernistry  of  the  Farm  and  Sea,  - 
Norris'  AmericanFish  Culture, 
Norton's  Scientific  Agriculture, 
Onions— How  to  Raise  them  I'rofitably,     - 
Our  Farm  of  Four  Acres.  Paper,  30c.,  cloth, 
Pardee  on  Strawberry  Culture,  -        -       - 
Parsons  on  the  Rose,    -       -       -       - 

Pedder's  Land  Measurer,    -        -       -        - 

Perclieron  Horse,         ----- 

Potato  Culture.    (Prize  Essay.) 
Quinby's  Mysteries  of  Bee-keeping,    - 
Quincy  (Hon.  Josiah)  on  Soiling  Cattle, 
Quinn's  Money  in  the  Garden,    -       -       - 
Quinn's  Pear  Culture  for  Profit, 
Randall's  Fine  Wool  Sheep  Husbandry,    - 
Randall's  Sheep  Husbandry,        -       -       - 
Rarey  and  Knowlson's  Horse  Tamer,  - 
Ri(^hardson  on  the  Dog.  Paper,  30c.;  cloth, 
Riley's  Potato  Pests.  Paper,  50  cts. ;  cloth, 
Rivers's  Miniature  Fruit  G  arden, 
Roe's  Manual  on  the    Culture   of  Small 
Fruits,         --._._- 
Roe's  Play  and  Profit  in  my  Garden, 
Saunders's  Domestic  Poultry.  Paper  40  cts. ; 

cloth, -       - 

Schenck's  Gardener's  Text-Book, 
Skillful  Housewife,       -        -       -       -       - 

Stewart's  American  Farmer's  Horse  Book, 

Stewart's  Irrigation  for  the  Farm,  Garden, 

and  Orchard.     ------ 

Stewart's  Sorghum  and  its  Products, 
Stewart's  Stable  Book,         .        -       _       - 
Stoddard's  An  Egg  Farm.    50  cts. ;  cloth,  - 
Stonehenge  on  the  Horse  in  Stable  and 

Field.     American  edition,  12mo.,    - 
Tegetmeier's  Poultry  Book,        .       _       - 
The  Rifle:  Its  Theory  and  Practice, 
Thomas's  American  Fruit  Culturist.    New 
edition,       ------- 

Thomas's  Farm  Implements  and  Machin- 
ery,      

Thomp.son's  Food  of  Animals,    -        -       - 
Tobacco  Culture.  By  fourteen  experienced 

cultivators,         -       - 
Turner's  Cotton  Planter's  Manual, 
Ville's  Chemical  Manures,  -       .        . 

Warder's  A  merican  Pomology, 
Warder's  Hedges  and  Evergreens, 
Waring's  Draining  for  Profit  and  Health, 
Waring's  Earth  Closets  and  E'lrth  Sewage, 
Waring's  Elements  of  Agriculture,    - 
♦-White's  Cranberry  Culture,         -        _       - 
White's  Gardening  for  the  South, 
Wright's  Brahma  Fowl.       -        .       -       - 
Wright's  Practical  Poultry-keeper,    - 
Youatt  and  Spoon er  on  the  Horse,     - 
Youatt  and  Martin  on  Cattle,      - 
Youatt  and  Martin  on  the  Hog, 
Youatt  on  Sheep,  .       .        -       -       . 

Youatt  on  the  Dog,      -       -       -       -       . 


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